Kyoto International Manga Museum

With so many volumes of manga to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to begin. A good starting point is the “What is Manga?” exhibition on the second floor, which showcases influential manga from 1912–2005. It’s also possible to see plaster casts of over 100 manga artists’ hands, accompanied by drawings and autographs. Be sure to check the events calendar before your visit as there are regular events, including live manga artist drawing demonstrations.

• No need to worry about going home empty-handed—there’s a huge museum shop next to the entrance that offers rare limited edition manga, souvenirs, and research books. There’s no admission fee required if you only want to visit the shop.

• If you want to leave to take a break, re-entry is permitted throughout the day. Just make sure to present your ticket at reception each time you re-enter.

• Coin-operated lockers are available at the entrance—these require a ¥100 coin.

• There’s an on-site café that offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, and sweets.

• There are diaper-changing facilities on the first floor. For diaper changing, nursing, baby food, and other needs, a private baby care room is available on the third floor.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with an access ramp at the entrance, an elevator, and accessible restrooms on the first and second floors.

The easiest way to get to Kyoto International Manga Museum is by subway. The nearest station is Karasuma Oike Station, which is roughly a 2-minute walk away. To get to Karasuma Oike Station, take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station (in the direction of Kokusaikaikan Station). Alternatively, you can travel the Tozai Line from Sanjo Station (headed towards Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station).

The museum is usually open daily apart from Wednesdays (or if Wednesday is a public holiday, the weekly closure date moves to Thursday). It also closes at the end of the year through the Japanese New Year, so it’s best to check opening times in advance for the most up-to-date schedules. School groups sometimes visit the museum, so for the fewest crowds, plan to visit when the museum opens or later in the day (after around 3pm).

As well as the Kyoto International Manga Museum’s on-site shop, there are plenty more places for anime and manga fans to shop in Kyoto. Donguri Republic (Donguri Kyowakoku) is a great place to buy Studio Ghibli-related souvenirs, while Pokémon Center Kyoto has Pokemén-themed soft toys, T-shirts, bags, and even Pokémon cup noodles. For an extensive collection of manga and anime publications and merchandise, Animate Kyoto in Nakagyo Ward is a great pick.