Showing 1-14 of 14 results
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Byōdō-In
If you happen to have a 10 Yen coin in your pocket, dig it out now and have a look at it. The building depicted on the coin is the main hall of this lovely temple in the centre of Uji. Overlooking a serene pond, the hall is one of the loveliest Buddhist structures in Japan.
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Fureai-kan Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
For a break from temple-gazing, pop into the excellent Fureai-kan Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts. Exhibits include wood-block prints, lacquerware, bamboo goods and gold-leaf work. It's in the basement of Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall).
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Kaleidoscope Museum Of Kyoto
This one-room museum is filled with unexpected wonders. Frankly, we had no idea of the variety and complexity in the field of kaleidoscopes. We don't know who will enjoy this more, children or the adults trying to keep them entertained. It's right behind the Museum of Kyoto.
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Kawai Kanjirō Memorial Hall
This small memorial hall is one of Kyoto's most commonly overlooked little gems; it's worth a look, though, especially if you have an interest in Japanese crafts such as pottery and furniture. The hall was the home and workshop of one of Japan's most famous potters, Kawai Kanjirō (1890-1966).
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Konnichi-an library
The Konnichi-an library has more than 50,000 books (about 100 in English) plus videos on tea and its associated ceremonies, which can be viewed on site. Located in the Urasenke Chadō Research Center.
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Kyoto International Manga Museum
This brand new museum has a collection of some 300,000 manga (Japanese comic books). Set in an atmospheric building that used to house an elementary school, the museum is the perfect introduction to the art of manga. While most of the manga and the displays are, naturally, in Japanese, the collection of translated works is growing.
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Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art
The Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art organises several major exhibitions a year. Adult admission varies by exhibit but children get in for free.
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Kyoto National Museum
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.
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Museum of Kyoto
Housed in and behind the former Bank of Japan, a classic brick Meiji-period building, this museum is worth a visit for those with an interest in Kyoto's long history. The regular exhibits consist of models of ancient Kyoto, audiovisual presentations and a small gallery dedicated to the city's film industry.
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National Museum of Modern Art
The National Museum of Modern Art is renowned for its Japanese ceramics and paintings. There is an excellent permanent collection, including many pottery pieces by Kawai Kanjirō. The coffee shop here overlooks a picturesque canal.
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Nomura Museum
This museum's exhibits include scrolls, paintings, implements used in tea ceremonies and ceramics that were bequeathed by business magnate Nomura Tokushiki. If you have an abiding interest in the tea ceremony or in Japanese decorative techniques such as lacquer and maki-e (decorative lacquer technique using silver and gold powders), this museum makes an interesting break from temple hopping. Located a 10-minute walk north of Nanzen-ji.
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Orinasu-Kan
This museum is housed in a Nishijin weaving factory. It has impressive exhibits of Nishijin textiles. The Susamei-sha building (recently restored) next door is also open to the public and contains a small café. Across the street, there is another hall with a good collection of Nishijin kimono (entry to this hall is included in the main admission fee). With advance reservations, traditional weaving workshops can be attended.
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Teradaya Museum
Famed as the inn of choice for rebel samurai Sakamoto Ryōma (1834-67), today Teradaya operates as a museum. Fans of Ryōma faithfully make the pilgrimage here to see the room where he slept.
You might have to ask a passer-by for directions, as the way is poorly marked. There is a sign out the front in English that reads: 'The site of the Teradaya Feud'.
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Umekōji Steam Locomotive Museum
A hit with steam-train buffs and kids, this excellent museum features 18 vintage steam locomotives (dating from 1914 to 1948) and related displays. It is in the former JR Nijō Station building, which was recently relocated here and thoughtfully reconstructed. You can take a 10-minute ride on one of the smoke-spewing choo-choos (departures at , and ).
Showing 1-14 of 14 results
