13 Best Museums in Kyoto: Ultimate Guide 2025
Let’s plan a trip to the best museums in Kyoto to visit in 2025.
With such a rich and deep cultural history, there’s so much to see and do. This guide has all the best Kyoto museums to check whether you're an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about Japan’s cultural heritage.
For those looking for a more overall trip to Kyoto, check out our 50 Best Things to Do in Kyoto: 2025 Must-See Activities or Things to Do in Kyoto Map for the city's top attractions.
Contents
- History and traditional culture Kyoto museums
- Art and design Kyoto museums
- Traditional crafts Kyoto museums
- Speciality Kyoto museums
- Frequently asked questions
History and traditional culture Kyoto museums
Due to Kyoto's significance in Japan’s history, there are many historical museums in Kyoto to check out.
1. Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto
Dive into Japan's rich Samurai and Ninja history at the top-rated Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto!
Located in the Kawaramachi shopping district, this museum offers an unforgettable journey through Japan’s warrior past.
- Explore Samurai Armor: Get close to authentic samurai armor, swords, and weapons, and even try them on to experience the warrior’s world firsthand!
- Interactive Fun: Test your skills with ninja stars (shuriken) and blowguns (fukiya), or try a sword-wielding lesson for a hands-on experience.
If you're looking for something unique, this museum is the ideal spot to learn about Japan’s legendary warriors. You can combine your Samurai Ninja Museum with a Japanese Tea Ceremony at Maikoya.
Address: 寺町詩の小路 2F, 292 Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Hours: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Daily)
2. Kyoto National Museum
Established in 1895, the Kyoto National Museum is one of Japan's most prestigious cultural landmarks. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history.
Explore rare artifacts, traditional art, and cultural treasures to learn about Japan's heritage. With a rotating exhibit, lectures, and events throughout the year, there’s always something new to enjoy.
This Kyoto museum is just across from the famous Sanjusangendo temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon. It is ideally situated for exploring Kyoto’s historic sites.
Address: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0931, Japan
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
3. The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and culture, showcasing the rich heritage of Kyoto and the wider Kansai region. Originally named the Heian Museum of Ancient History, it adopted its current name in 1986 and has since grown into a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
This museum displays Kyoto’s history, its cultural impact, and even global artifacts that connect to Japan’s traditions. Each floor offers a unique perspective, blending local history with international influences.
Address: 623-1 Higashikatamachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8183, Japan
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
4. Honnoji Temple Museum
Tucked away near the bustling Kawaramachi shopping district and near Nishiki Market, Honnoji Temple is a historic gem with deep cultural significance.
After surviving multiple reconstructions, this exhibit includes religious relics, gifts from wealthy patrons, ancient tea utensils, and, famously, its three-legged frog incense burner.
Address: 522 Shimohonnojimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8091, Japan
Hours: Monday - Sunday 9 AM–4:30 PM
Art and design Kyoto museums
Kyoto is home to many traditional and cultural art forms that museums there holds.
5. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
The Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is a must-see for art lovers. Its collection spans from the Meiji Era to the present day.
As Japan’s second-largest art museum, it houses over 2,500 masterpieces and offers a glimpse into centuries of artistic excellence.
Address: 124 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344, Japan
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
6. National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
The National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto is a hub for 20th-century Japanese art. It focuses strongly on Kyoto—and Kansai-based artists, including works from the renowned Kyoto School.
The museum hosts five special exhibitions annually, alongside rotating displays in the Collection Gallery, ensuring there’s always something new to see. Plus, it’ll showcase the evolution of modern Japanese art, covering diverse mediums and styles.
Address: 26-1 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344, Japan
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
7. Miho Museum Kyoto
The Miho Museum is a stunning blend of art, architecture, and nature. Founded by Koyama Mihoko, one of Japan's wealthiest women, the museum is as famous for its design as it is for its impressive collection.
It holds many items, including tea ceremony utensils, Shinto/Buddhist art, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, lacquerware, and other art from Koyama’s private collection. The main exhibit changes annually, with special exhibitions rotating every few months.
Currently, the museum is closed for the winter. So be sure to check online to see when it's open.
Address: 桃谷-300 Shigarakicho Tashiro, Koka, Shiga 529-1814, Japan
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Traditional crafts Kyoto museums
There are three main museums in Kyoto, Japan, that you can visit to see traditional art forms.
8. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Japan’s unique arts and craftsmanship. Known for its exceptional skill and creativity, Japan’s traditional crafts are beautifully showcased and documented here.
They offer live craft demonstrations by skilled artisans, showing centuries-old techniques today.
Address: B1F Miyakomesse, Okazaki Seishojicho 9-1, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8343, Japan
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9. Kyoto Raku Museum
The Raku Museum is dedicated to the legacy of the Raku family’s 450-year ceramics tradition. It was founded in 1978 by the 14th-generation master, Kakunyû.
The museum’s collection includes various raku ceramics passed down through generations as well as historical documents and tea tools that reflect raku ceramics in Japanese tea culture.
As a symbol of Raku’s artistry and heritage, this museum offers a rare opportunity to experience this revered tradition up close.
Address: 89 Aburahashizumecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0923, Japan
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
10. Kyoto Shibori Museum
Kyoto Shibori Museum offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Japanese art of shibori dyeing, a traditional Japanese technique that involves tightly binding, folding, or twisting fabric before dyeing it to create intricate patterns.
Here, you will explore tools and learn about the historic dyeing technique that dates back centuries.
You can even learn to try shibori dyeing and try on a shibori kimono to immerse yourself in this art form. These classes are in English, but it’s best to make a reservation beforehand for the language accommodation.
Address: 135−5 Shikiamicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8261, Japan
Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Speciality Kyoto museums
11. Manga Museum Kyoto
The Kyoto International Manga Museum, founded in 2006, is a paradise for manga enthusiasts and a hub for preserving and promoting manga culture.
The museum has countless shelves of manga for you to explore, spanning three floors. While most works are in Japanese, you’ll find some translated editions.
With 300,000 items, including historical and foreign works, you can see the global development of manga as an art form.
The “Manga Expo” corner features translated pieces by renowned artists, while the “What is Manga?” exhibit dives into manga's history and cultural impact.
Address: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846, Japan
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
12. Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum
Sake, Japan’s national drink, symbolizes tradition and craftsmanship, and Kyoto is a must-visit museum for sake enthusiasts.
This Kyoto museum explores the art of sake brewing, showcasing centuries-old traditions and methods. Located in the heart of Kyoto's sake district, it provides a unique opportunity to learn about sake’s history, enjoy tastings, and explore the role of Fushimi’s pristine water in crafting world-class sake.
Address: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8043, Japan
Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
13. Kyoto Costume Museum
The Kyoto Costume Museum offers a captivating look at Japan’s Heian period (794–1185), immersing you in the world of ancient nobility and traditional fashion. It’s ideal for fans of Japanese culture and The Tale of Genji.
Its main attraction is its model mansion displays, which display a 1:4 scale of the recreated mansion with dolls, furniture, transportation, and seasonal details.
Address: 5th Floor, Izutsu Sajo Building, Hanayacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8468, Japan
Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kyoto National Museum worth visiting?
The Kyoto National Museum is a great place for Japanese historical treasures and art. If you have time to visit, definitely check it out.
What are the best museums in Kyoto?
Some top museums in Kyoto include the top-rated Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto for a hands-on warrior experience, the Kyoto National Museum for historical treasures, the Kyoto International Manga Museum for manga fans, and the Miho Museum for a unique blend of art and nature.
How do I get to the Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto?
The museum's address is Teramachi Utanokoji, building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and subways, with Kawaramachi Station nearby.
Are there interactive exhibits at the Kyoto Samurai Ninja Museum?
Yes! At the Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto, you can try on samurai armor, throw ninja stars, and even use blow darts. It's a great experience for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in Japan's warrior history.
In closing
Kyoto’s museums lean toward the traditional and historical aspects of Japan. Many of them allow you to explore the legacy of samurai and ninjas, admire world-class art, or dive into the world of manga.
With these best museums in Kyoto and more, there’s something for everyone.
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