Kyoto National Museum

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  • Address
    Chaya-chō 527, Higashiyama-ku
  • Phone
    531 7509
  • Transport
    underground rail: 10min walk from Shichijō Station, Keihan line
bus: 1min walk from Hakubutsukan/Sanjūsangendō-mae bus stop, bus 206 or 208 from Kyoto Station

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Lonely Planet review

The Kyoto National Museum is the site for some of Kyoto's most important special art exhibitions. It was founded in 1895 as an imperial repository for art and treasures from local temples and shrines. It is housed in two buildings opposite Sanjūsangen-dō temple. There are 17 rooms with displays of more than 1000 artworks, historical artefacts and handicrafts.

The permanent collection is excellent but somewhat poorly displayed; unless you have a particular interest in Japanese traditional arts, we recommend visiting this museum only when a special exhibition is on.