Japan · MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN KYOTO
The 12 best museums and galleries in Kyoto you can book today, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. Start at the top and work down until one fits your free day.
At teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, more than 50 digital artworks respond to their surroundings and to you. Explore atmospheric installations, move through the hands-on Athletics Forest, and make art with others in Future Park. The museum is a seven-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Plan for two to three hours, and bring sneakers.
“I've always enjoyed team labs in Japan, this one was fantastic! well worth your money”
Grind fresh matcha, learn Uji tea traditions, and explore Chazuna’s interactive museum in a hands-on one-hour Kyoto experience.
“An excellent way to learn about, and experience making, matcha”
Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum offers a lively one-hour tour with armor, swords, shuriken throwing, history, and family-friendly fun.
“My husband and sons really enjoyed the activity. They described it as educational, hands-on, and fun.”
See an intimate 15-minute Kyomai dance by a Kyoto geiko or maiko, then explore Gion art, kimono, garden, cafe, and shop.
“It was an incredible performance! The museum was beautiful as well”
Kyoto Samurai Sword Experience review with hakama dressing, replica sword training, ninja stars, museum entry, value, tips, and drawbacks.
“The only reason I gave 2 stars and not one is because the instructor and samurai giving the lesson was great. The whole thing was disorganized and difficult to find. No where on Viator did it say this experience is for 18 and older or to go to the website to verify information. When we got there, the guys at the samurai museum said it’s on our website. How were we to know that? I booked this so my kids can have an experience with a real samurai and my teenage kid. I would not have booked it otherwise. It says it’s for a group of 10 but there were…”
Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum tour combines Japanese history, costume photos, sword displays, and shuriken throwing in one lively hour.
“Fantastic tour with Taka - he was very informative and lots of fun”
Review of Kyoto’s family-friendly Ninja Experience, with shuriken, blowguns, costumes, museum visit, pricing, timing, and practical tips.
“the instructors were nice but we were sold a 75 minute experience but it only lasted 40 minutes . Not really an authentic experience by any stretch of the imagination. Definitely not good value for money”
Watch a 15-minute Kyomai dance by maiko or geiko, then explore Kyoto’s Gion Kagai Art Museum for $20.
“It was a great introduction to the geisha world. Worth the money. It wasn’t super engaging for little kids after the dance, but they did have a nice garden for them to run around in”
Dress as a samurai, learn sword basics, pose in armor, and explore Kyoto’s warrior past in this family-friendly two-hour experience.
“Was fun and relaxed, should have booked for the adults only one, but didn't realise at the time. Great history.”
Explore 53 Japanese trains, ride a steam locomotive, try simulators, and watch the Kyoto Railway Museum turntable in action.
“Really good. Quiet. Cool inside. A lot to see and interact with.”
Review of Kyoto’s family-friendly samurai lesson, with katana practice, armor, ninja weapons, photos, pricing, and practical tips.
“Abbiamo partecipato alla lezione di scherma con il Maestro Ken, che ci ha vestiti, ci ha insegnato 2 kata (sequenze di movimenti) con la katana e ci ha fatto sentire dei veri Samurai. Inutile dire che i bambini erano entusiasti e anche per noi adulti é stata un’esperienza indimenticabile. Poi ci siamo spostati al museo dei Samurai e dei Ninja: la visita guidata é stata molto interessante ma la parte più divertente é stata il tiro al bersaglio con gli shuroken dei ninja e fare le foto vestiti da samurai e ninja.. Portiamo a casa un bellissimo ricordo.”
Pair a rare Yamazaki whisky visit with Monet at Asahi Museum, guided from Oyamazaki Station in a compact Kyoto half-day tour.
“We had an amazing time with our host Woohee, she was incredibly knowledgeable and extremely courteous. The tour itself was incredible but having Woohee as our host made it truly memorable.”
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