Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
Countries
Top 10 Art Museums in Kyoto, Kinki
The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
The foremost museum in Japan dedicated to netsuke miniature sculpture, situated in one of Kyoto's last samurai residences, near Nijo Castle. The museum holds an impressive collection of 2,500 pieces dating from the Edo Period to present, 400 of which are shown to the public in special exhibitions 5 times a year.
Reviewed By AnneL3632
This little museum is one of my favorite places in Japan. Netsuke, iconic representations of important aspects of Japanese culture and history, are tiny miniature sculptures made of wood, ivory, clay, porcelain, nut shells, coral. I’ve only been once, and the exhibits change at least several times a year. This is a private collection, photographs were not allowed when I was there. Don’t miss it if you have the chance, and if you can, bring a magnifying lens.
2. Reimei Art Gallery
3. Kyoto Shibori Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Kyoto Shibori Museum is located southeast of Nijo castle; 5-min. walk from subway Nijojo-mae station; Adults 800yen; Open: 9:00-17:00; Shibori arts, tools and samples of shibori are displayed. You can try on shibori kimono in a quick and simple way for FREE. Shibori class in English is available(reservation recommended); silk scarf: from 3,850yen, approx 30-min. Museum shop: variety of original shibori items, scarves, bags, fabrics and souvenirs are sold at the reasonable price. Museum for all textile lovers on this planet.
Reviewed By 490emmak - Newcastle, Australia
The Shibori workshop was a highlight of my trip. I arrived at 10 am and was able to immediately attend a Shibori workshop with an instructor who spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. As I was the only English speaker there I got a private class. It was great to be able to try my hand at this ancient craft. Following the class I got a private tour of the small museum, I did not realise there were so many techniques. If you enjoy craft I highly recommend doing a class.
4. Staircase Gallery (SCG)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
SCG (staircase gallery) is the main contemporary art gallery of BnA Alter Museum, an art hotel featuring 31 rooms created by local artists. Through SCG, a towering 10 story/30-meter vertical Staircase Gallery, we are determined to provide an alternative, radical and truly authentic BnA experience by exhibiting dynamic, provocative and engaging art, artists, creators and anything else we want. All are welcome!
5. Sinary Kanazawa Shoko Art Museum
6. Jotenkaku Museum
7. Kyoto Ukiyo-e Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The ukiyo-e print began to describe the life of the common people in the late 17th century. And it inspired European great artists, for example, van Gogh, Monet and Debussy. In this museum, you can see the works of great artists, such as Hokusai Katsushika, Hiroshige Utagawa and Utamaro Kitagawa.
Reviewed By deckchairtraveller - Sydney, Australia
This museum had relocated from Kyoto in late 2019. We found it by-chance walking the Namba shopping strips in Osaka. Fantastic place - staff and books/postcards for sale. The "museum entry fee" is small, but in it you get to pick n' take 3 postcards of the ukiyo-e artists. Well worth the visit. NOTE - there is a 2nd ukiyo-e museum close by - between Namba station and Dotonbori shopping area. It seems to specialise in the 'Kabuki style' wood-prints and have stacks of souvenir type things for sale (do both, it's easy and enjoyable).
8. Fukuda Art Museum
9. Nishijin Asagi Museum
10. Hosomi Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 82 reviews
This private museum displays a selection of Buddhist and Shinto art exhibits, and also hosts a daily Chanoyu or traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
