Kyoto National Museum

If there’s a specific area a visitor is interested in, then it’s useful to know that the museum is divided into three parts: fine arts, which has calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings; handicrafts, with fabrics, lacquerware, pottery, and metalwork; and archeology, with objects of historical and archeological interest. Some of the museum’s most interesting exhibitions can be found in the newer part of the museum—the Heisei Chishinkan wing, designed by renowned architect Taniguchi Yoshio.

• The Kyoto National Museum is a wheelchair-accessible venue. A ramp can be found at the South Gate entrance, and a limited number of wheelchairs may be borrowed free of charge.

• There are accessible toilets on every floor, the garden, and the South Gate ticketing area.

• Baby seats are installed in the restrooms, and the museum has a nursing room on the first floor of the Heisei Chishinkan wing.

• Visitors can store luggage in coin lockers on the first floor and the basement.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.

The museum is located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama ward and opposite the street to Sanjusangendo temple. The best option to get to the museum by public transport is bus #100, #206, or #208 from Kyoto Station to Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop. Alternatively, it’s 5 minutes from Shichijo Station (Keihan Line) or 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.

The museum is usually closed on Mondays. However, the schedule changes when there’s a national holiday, so looking up the latest opening schedule is recommended before planning a visit. Hours are typically morning until late afternoon, with later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays. The best time to visit is during the week, close to the opening time.

In the historically rich Higashiyama-Shichijo area of Kyoto, where the Kyoto National Museum is located, many famous temples and shrines exist to explore. Start with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple—known for having over 1,001 statues of the goddess of mercy—Kannon. Other great picks are the Shinto shrine of Toyokuni Shrine and the museum of a late Japanese artist—Kawai Kanjiro’s House.