4 Must-See Museums in Kyoto and How to Visit

Take a guided tour of Kyoto museums to learn more.

2 min readAug 26, 2019By Elen Turner

A woman explores a museum complex in Kyoto, Japan

Hi, I'm Elen!

Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.

Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in Japan, offering many opportunities to see and experience traditional Japanese culture. As well as the city’s temples, palaces, and manicured parks, a few top-notch museums should be on your travel itinerary. Here are some top picks.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

1. Samurai and Ninja Museum

A man conducts a performance live at the Samurai and Ninja Museum.

A performance at the Samurai and Ninja Museum.Photo Credit: Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock

For samurai and ninja artifacts.

The Samurai and Ninja Museum displays armor, weapons, and other artifacts related to Japan’s famous samurai and ninja warriors. The museum holds workshops on how to use ninja weapons, offers dress-up opportunities for kids (and adults!), and more.

How to Visit: Take a guided tour of the museum and then enjoy watching a samurai show afterwards.

2. Kyoto Railway Museum

The grand displays of railway carriages at the Kyoto Railway Museum in Japan.

The Kyoto Railway museum.Photo Credit: Patchamol Jensatienwong / Shutterstock

For train lovers.

Most travelers ride a Japanese train at some point, and the Kyoto Railway Museum offers the chance to learn more about a form of transportation that’s so important in the country. See old steam locomotives, ultra-modern, high-speed trains, and exhibits on the history of rail in Japan.

How to Visit: Take the kids along to this one, as there are lots of hands-on facilities for the whole family.

3. Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan

A simple display at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan in Japan.

Inside the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan.Photo Credit: Mocad / Tripadvisor

For cultural crafts.

Travelers interested in learning more about Kyoto’s traditional crafts — from kimono to incense sticks — will love this museum, commonly called Fureaikan. You can even take workshops to learn to make your own crafts.

How to visit: Download an English-language audioguide from the museum’s website before you visit and listen to it on your own device (alternatively, you can rent an audio guide at the museum).

4. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

The peaceful, wooden entrance to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Kyoto, Japan.

The exterior of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.Photo Credit: 405avec3104 / Tripadvisor

For sake and spirits.

Housed in an old sake brewery building that’s more than 100 years old, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum provides an easy-to-understand introduction to sake making. Sample sake from one of Japan’s most popular brands at the museum.

How to visit: You must join a guided tour around the museum. For special access to the brewery, book a tour in advance.

Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum