The Museum of Kyoto

What's On

Now

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May

Kan'ei: Beauty Nurtured by Peace

For the 400th anniversary of Emperor Go-Mizunoo's 1626 visit to Nijo Castle, a survey of early-Edo Kan'ei culture: screens, swords and Kano paintings.

Now showing19 Sept – 15 Nov¥1,800

Tanomura Chokunyu and Nanga Painting in Modern Kyoto: The Ambience of Nature

130 years after Kyoto's Japan Nanga Association formed, works by Tanomura Chokunyu, Tomioka Tessai and fellow literati painters from the Kyoto Prefecture collection.

Now showing3 Oct – 29 Nov¥600

Indestructible Power: Go Nagai – Go Nagai Memorial Museum Revival

Original manga art and figures by Go Nagai that survived the 2024 Noto earthquake fire at his Wajima memorial museum, plus new drawings made for the show.

Upcoming28 Nov – 11 Jan 2027¥600

Ike no Taiga and Literati Painting in Kyoto

Marking 250 years since Ike no Taiga's death: the Kyoto literati painter who stayed among ordinary townspeople, shown with works by the artists he influenced.

Upcoming5 Dec – 14 Feb 2027¥600

Masterpieces from the Paleological Association of Japan

Highlights of the Paleological Association of Japan's collection, which once ran the Heian Museum on this site and helped found the museum, marking a new catalogue.

Upcoming5 Dec – 14 Feb 2027¥600

Jimmy Onishi "Hometown" Kyoto Exhibition

Original paintings by comedian-turned-painter Jimmy Onishi, exploring the places that shape his work, with new pieces painted in Kyoto as his "hometown".

Upcoming5 Dec – 7 Feb 2027¥600

Kyoto Art for Tomorrow 2027: Selected Emerging Artists of Kyoto Prefecture

Annual showcase of emerging artists with ties to Kyoto, chosen for outstanding creativity and technique.

Upcoming23 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027¥600

Arai Kinya and Kyoto

60 years after his death, early paintings and ceramics by Arai Kinya (1884-1966), who turned from Western-style painting to pottery in Kyoto.

Upcoming20 Feb 2027 – 18 Apr 2027¥600

Kyoto Prefecture × Kyoto City Designated Cultural Properties Selection 2027: Gifts for the Future

Recently designated and newly restored cultural properties of Kyoto Prefecture and City, with the stories of their owners and restorers.

Upcoming20 Feb 2027 – 18 Apr 2027¥600

Medalist Exhibition

Figure-skating manga and anime Medalist by Tsurumaikada: new illustrations, famous scenes from the manga, recreated settings and highlights from the TV anime.

Upcoming20 Feb 2027 – 11 Apr 2027¥600

Permanent Collections

History of Kyoto

Kyoto's 1,200 years in five eras, from Heian-kyo's founding to the modern city, with an animated Kamo River summer-evening folding screen.

Permanent collection¥600

Nearby

i

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Art5 min walk

Kahitsukan – Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

Kahitsukan – Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

Art16 min walk

i

Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo)

Architecture17 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does The Museum of Kyoto cost?

Standard adult admission to The Museum of Kyoto is ¥600. General exhibition: adults ¥600, university students ¥400, high school students and younger free; 20% group discount for 20+. Ticket includes the Film Theatre. Special exhibitions are priced separately (their ticket also covers the general exhibition and Film Theatre). Annex Hall free. Free for disability certificate holders plus one companion.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of The Museum of Kyoto?

The Museum of Kyoto is open Tue-Sun 10:00-19:30 (general exhibition; last entry 19:00). Special exhibition galleries 10:00-18:00, Fridays until 19:30. Closed Mondays (open when Monday is a national holiday, closing the following weekday instead): open Mon 21 Sep, 12 Oct and 23 Nov 2026; closed Thu 24 Sep, Tue 13 Oct and Tue 24 Nov 2026.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is The Museum of Kyoto?

The Museum of Kyoto is located at 623-1 Higashikata-machi, Takakura-dori Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8183, Japan, in the Sanjo area of Kyoto. The nearest stations are Karasuma Oike (Kyoto Subway, 3 min walk), Karasuma (Hankyu Line, 7 min walk) and Sanjo (Keihan Line, 15 min walk).

What can I see at The Museum of Kyoto?

Kyoto's 1,200-year story, Kyoto Prefecture's art and film collections, and a red-brick former Bank of Japan branch on Sanjo. Current highlights include Kan'ei: Beauty Nurtured by Peace, History of Kyoto and Indestructible Power: Go Nagai – Go Nagai Memorial Museum Revival.

Do I need to book The Museum of Kyoto in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit The Museum of Kyoto?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.