The 11 Best Kyoto Art Museums and Gallery

Kyoto is world-famous for its magnificent temples and shrines, but it is just as famous for its splendid art museums!

This article will give you the inside scoop on all the best art museums and contemporary art galleries that Kyoto has to offer, as well as how to get to them! Kyoto is a city that is oozing with history and culture, so come and experience some of the finest art museums in all of Japan during your trip!  

If you are an art lover with an interest in Japan, Kyoto is the place to be!

Characteristics of Fine Art in Kyoto

Kyoto perfectly blends its long and traditional history with contemporary designs and influences to create art that everyone can enjoy!

History of Art in Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for roughly 1,100 years, and so much of the fine culture brought by Japanese noblemen and royalty was established in the city with the transition into the Heian period. This culture integrated with the samurai culture at the beginning of the Muromachi period and developed a very unique and refined culture and the art style that has allowed Kyoto to remain the heart of Japanese fine arts ever since.

Even when the capital city moved to Edo (Tokyo), Kyoto continued to be the cultural center of Japan. Traditional Japanese culture such as Noh, tea ceremony and flower arranging all have a home in Kyoto, and they permeate into the lives of everyday citizens.

Contemporary Art Museums in Kyoto

The traditional art of Kyoto is amazing, but Kyoto is also making huge strides in promoting its contemporary art too.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto rivals many of the most famous art galleries in Tokyo, and even world-famous modern Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama have held special exhibitions in the city. Whatever kind of art you prefer, Kyoto has it all!

In no particular order, here are all the very best art galleries in Kyoto that display all kinds of special Japanese art that you can only see in this city!

Now show you 11 museums and galleries in Kyoto city!

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

This contemporary art museum houses some beautiful examples of nihonga (Japanese-style art), yoga (Western-style art) as well as some great examples of sculptures and photography. There are some outstanding exhibitions of works of modern art in Japan, so if modern art is your thing, you need to visit this place during your Kyoto trip.

 

Access
It is about a 5 minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line.

Address
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, 26-1, Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8344, JAPAN

Hours & Admission
Hours – 9:30 to 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – 430 yen for adults or 1,300 yen for special exhibitions. Children and seniors can enter for free!

URL:http://www.momak.go.jp/English/index.html

Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

This museum houses a permanent collection of over 3,600 pieces of art from Kyoto artists, ranging from nihonga to western-style paintings. The main building is currently undertaking renewal construction and will be reopened in 2020, but the Annex building nearby is still open and waiting for you.

 

Access
It is about a 10 minute walk from Higashiyama Station.

Address
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, 124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8344 Japan
TEL：075-771-4107 

Hours & Admission
Hours – 9:00 to 17:00 except for the New Year holidays
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – Prices ranged from 500 yen to 800 yen depending on the exhibition. Children can enter for free!

URL:https://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/en/

Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

Insho-Domoto is a Japanese artist born and bred in Kyoto. He began his career by drawing patterns for traditional textiles, Nishijin-ori before moving on to painting. This museum holds many of his pieces and houses creative pieces of art from traditional Japanese landscape paintings to more modern designs. If you are interested in artwork that blends eastern and western techniques, this is the place for you!

 

Access
I suggest you take the No. 50 Bus from Kyoto Station and get off at Ritsumeikan-daigaku-mae bus stop.

Address
26-3 Kamiyanagi-cho, Hirano Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan 603-8355
TEL 075-463-0007 

Hours & Admission
Hours – 9:30 to 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – 500 yen for adults and from 200 yen for children. Visitors over the age or 65 or disabled people can enter for free

URL:http://insho-domoto.com/index-e.html

Raku Museum

The Raku Museum has a collection of mostly ceramics made by the Raku family, as well as documents and tea utensils passed down through the generations. The impressive collection has been collected over 450 years and breathes life into a rather unknown form of Kyoto art.

 

Access
It is an 8 minute walk from Horikawa Imadegawa bus stop, or a 13 minute walk from Imadegawa Station on Karasuma Line, exit No. 6.

Address
Raku Museum, Aburanokoji-dori Ichijo sagaru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0923

Hours & Admission
Hours – 10:00 to 16:30 (admission until 16:00)
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – It varies depending on the exhibition being displayed

URL:https://www.raku-yaki.or.jp/e/index.html

Kyoto Art Center

This art center not only holds art exhibitions but also has a stage for dance performances and art workshops to help train aspiring Kyoto artists. The traditional theater dances are particularly interesting.

Access
It is a 5 minute walk from Exit 22/24 at Shijo Station on the subway.

Address
Yamabushiyama-cho 546-2, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8156 JAPAN
TEL：075-213-1000　

Hours & Admission
Hours – 10:00 to 20:00 for the gallery
Closed – New Year’s Holidays
Admission – Free! (Some events may have admission fees though)

URL:http://www.kac.or.jp/eng/

Hosomi Art Museum

This museum specializes in Japanese art pieces, from the Yayoi period to the Edo period (1603 to 1867), so it regularly exhibits very traditional and culturally relevant work. A great place for those who enjoy older art pieces.

 

Access
It is a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai line.

Address
6-3 Okazaki, Saishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 605-0931,
Tel: 075 752 5555

Hours & Admission
Hours – 10:00 to 18:00 (admission until 17:30)
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – It depends on the exhibition

URL:https://www.emuseum.or.jp

eN arts

Just from the name alone, you can tell that this is a contemporary art gallery. Art on display at this gallery is ultra-modern and simplistic. If you want something different from all the traditional Kyoto art pieces, this is the place for you. It has included contributions by Kyoto-based painter Tamotsu Ikeya!

Access
It is a 10 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station.

Address
627, Gion Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073, Japan

Hours & Admission
Hours – 12:00 to 18:00
Closed – Monday to Thursday
Admission – It depends on the exhibition

URL:http://en-arts.com/en2/

Imura Art Gallery

This gallery displays contemporary art with a focus on new, Kyoto-based artists. It includes everything from painting and sculptures to photographs and has hosted works from famous up-and-coming artists including Takeshi Tanaka!

 

Access
It is a 4-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station.

Address
31 Kawabata-higashi Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8395 Japan

Hours & Admission
Hours – 12:00 to 18:00
Closed – Sundays, Mondays and National Holidays
Admission – It depends on the exhibition

URL:http://www.imuraart.com/en/about/

 

After exploring the masterpieces at the Kyoto Art Museum, immerse yourself in the traditional artistry of the Hochoshiki Knife Ceremony. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the meticulous craft of Japanese knife-making, blending cultural heritage with artistic excellence.

https://www.hochoshiki-knifeceremony.com/

A sacred place for Japanese food, a treasure house of ingredients, Minami-Boso Takaya Shrine Kitchen knife ceremony "Ryumon-no-Koi" long story: edited by Minamiboso City Tourism Association Channel

Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum was established in 1889 and opened in 1897 for the collection and preservation of important and culturally significant properties. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibitions that include both paintings and structures, and an extensive collection of archeological relics and calligraphy. There are many temporary, special exhibitions too, so make sure to check out their website beforehand to see what is going on. As one of Japan’s most distinguished and oldest museums, it is a must-see location if you are traveling to Kyoto!

Access
It is a 20 minute walk from Kyoto Station on Shichijo Street, or a 5 minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line.

Address
Kyoto National Museum, 527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0931

Hours & Admission
Hours – 9:30 to 17:00 (until 20:00 on weekends). Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the closing time!
Closed – Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday
Admission – 520 yen for the permanent exhibition or 1,500 yen for special exhibitions. Visitors between the ages of 0-15 and disabled guests can enter for free
English – There are English signs and audio guides to help you

URL:https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html

Kyoto International Manga Museum

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a great place for those who love Japanese comicbooks and modern culture. If you are traveling to Kyoto with children, they would have a great time here too! It even has a Manga Studio where you can see first-hand the process of manga creation! The work of many famous manga artists is just waiting for you to enjoy!

 

Access
It is a 3 minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station’s Exit 2.

Address
Nijo-donomachi, Chukyou-ku, Kyoto 604-0846 Japan
TEL: +81 75-254-7414 

Hours & Admission
Hours – 10:00 – 18:00 (admission until 17:30)
Closed – Wednesdays, or Thursday if Wednesday is a public holiday
Admission – 800 yen for adults and from 100 yen for children. Tickets also permit multiple entries throughout the day!

URL:https://www.kyotomm.jp/en/

Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum

This museum will blow you away with its amazing display of ancient weapons, armor, and clothes. Not only that, but this is one of the few museums where you can get in on the action and experience it for yourself! Become a samurai and swing your katana at the Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum! Great for kids!

 

Access
It is a 3 minute walk from Kawaramachi Station.

Address
Teramachi Utanokoji building 2F, 292, Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Hours & Admission
Hours – 10:00 to 20:00 (depending on the activity) every day
Admission – from 2,400 yen for the museum and cultural experience

URL:https://mai-ko.com/what-to-do-in-japan/kyoto/samurai-kyoto/

 

That’s all! Thank you for reading this article.

I’m hoping you will spend a great time in Kyoto to watch some beautiful art in museums and galleries.

Best regards.