What other travelers are saying about The Museum of Kyoto
Wonderful Museum tucked away in the main central area of Kyoto. We visited an exhibition at the time focusing on Japanese cuisine, and how it developed and changed over time though trade and cultural influences. Gallery space was large, open and very extensive. Definitely worth checking out what’s on and visiting 👍
I left the museum more confused than anything else. The beautiful old building is completely empty, unused, despite its great potential. The main building, the modern part, is very, very large... and it feels empty. The entrance fee is cheap, but at the same time, I wouldn't have paid more for only two or three rooms with so little content. I learned a few things, thanks to Google Translate since everything is in Japanese. What was shown was fine, but where are the artefacts? I wouldn't call a museum a place that shows more projections of artwork than actual art pieces in "flesh-and-blood". They did have a temporary exhibition on top of the permanent one but it was about the new season of an anime that just came out, and I was looking to learn about japanese/Kyoto's history.
I left almost convinced that I had missed a good part of the museum, but I asked two staff members and apparently not. The ground floor is also very confusing, with scattered shops and empty spaces... It's a real shame, there is a lot of potential for such a museum in a country and a city with such a rich history.
The texts should also be translated, or at least have some audios in English that summarize them. Museums should be accessible to everyone as long as people are respectful of the place.
I'm still giving it 3 stars because the staff was very welcoming, a lady from the staff took the time to explain certain parts to me in English, thank you very much to her.
The museum is small. The regular exhibition showcases the history and artefacts of Kyoto. It also shows the old movies shot in the city. The free gallery shows kimono art this time. One can have a quick tour for less than an hour. The front looks small and old ( originally an old bank building ) but there is an adjacent building that is new that houses the exhibitions.
I am glad I visited the museum to learn about the Japanese food culture and a bit history of Kyoto’s history. I especially like the animated videos shown at the entrance. The
animated video showing the people’s by and on the river. It raised my interest to learn more about the history of Kyoto!
Great historical exhibits but limited English so keep phones charged to use a translator app! Ample food and cafe and souvenir shops! Multi street access and connected to another museum. Can take photos in some areas, speak to the attendants to see where specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
The general exhibition on the 2nd and 3rd floors displays Kyoto's history chronologically from the Heian to Meiji periods with permanent collections from temples, shrines, and historical families. Admission is 500 yen for adults. Special exhibitions on the 4th floor are temporary shows with rotating themes and artworks. These require separate admission fees that vary by event.
Yes. The annex building is free to enter. You can explore the Important Cultural Property designed by Kingo Tatsuno, visit the café, and attend events without purchasing a museum ticket.
Most explanations are in Japanese. However, artifacts, artworks, and architectural features can be appreciated visually. Translation apps may help with detailed descriptions.
The museum is a 3-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station on the Kyoto City Metro (Karasuma and Tozai lines). Alternatively, walk 7 minutes from Karasuma Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line) or take Route 15 bus from JR/Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Sakaimachi-Oike stop.
