INTRODUCTION
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a unique tourist attraction in the city of Kyoto and a great place to gain an in-depth understanding of Japanese manga culture. opened in 2006, the museum is housed in a former elementary school building and combines its historical atmosphere with modern manga.
The museum houses a collection of about 300,000 manga, some of which are free to browse. In addition to Japanese-language manga, the museum also offers a wide selection of manga translated into English and other languages for the enjoyment of foreign visitors. In addition, there is a wide range of exhibits where visitors can learn about the history and production process of manga, which is interesting not only for manga fans but also for those new to manga.
Another attraction of the Kyoto International Manga Museum is its regular events and workshops. From hands-on manga production to artist signings, new discoveries and experiences await you every time you visit. The museum also has a café where visitors can relax and enjoy manga.
Outside, there is an area called “Manga Wall,” an open space where visitors can sit on the grass and read manga. Here, visitors can read manga all day long in a picnic atmosphere when the weather is nice, making it an ideal place to visit with family or friends.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad as a place where visitors can learn about Japanese manga culture in depth. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to visit this museum and experience its charms to the fullest.
History and Culture of Tourist Attraction
The Kyoto International Manga Museum opened in 2006 and was established to introduce Japanese manga culture to a wider audience. The building in which the museum is located was renovated from the former Tatsuike Elementary School, and its historical value is one of its major attractions. The space, which retains the atmosphere of the school and blends it with contemporary manga culture, offers a fresh surprise to visitors.
Japanese manga has developed in various forms from the early 20th century to the present. At the Kyoto International Manga Museum, visitors can experience its rich history and diversity. The museum’s exhibition area houses a collection of manga from various eras, from classic works to popular contemporary works, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of manga.
The museum also offers an in-depth look at the process and techniques used in the creation of manga. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including original drawings, sketches, and storyboards, that allow visitors to learn about how manga are created, and is especially recommended for those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of manga production. This allows visitors to understand that manga is not just entertainment, but a creative process that can be called an art form.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a much-loved place for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture through manga. Regular events and workshops allow visitors to have direct contact with manga artists and to experience the creation of manga. Through these activities, visitors can deepen their understanding of manga culture and become even more fascinated by it.
Highlights
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is worth visiting throughout the year, but spring and fall are especially recommended times. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and in autumn, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the changing leaves. Also not to be missed are the special exhibitions and events held each season.
Introduction to the main sights and popular tourist attractions
Manga Wall
The Manga Wall is a collection of bookshelves inside and outside the museum, containing approximately 50,000 comic books. Visitors are free to pick up and read at their leisure, allowing them to relax and enjoy manga wherever they like. Especially in the outdoor area, visitors can sit on the grass and read manga in a picnic atmosphere.
History Exhibition Area
In this area, visitors can learn about the history and evolution of manga. A diverse range of manga, from classic works to popular contemporary works, are on display, providing visitors with an understanding of the development of Japanese manga culture. Visitors can also learn about the behind-the-scenes process of manga production, including original drawings, sketches, and storyboards.
Workshops and Events
The Kyoto International Manga Museum regularly holds workshops and events. A wide variety of programs are offered, including hands-on manga production, artist signings, special exhibitions, and more. By participating in these events, visitors can experience manga culture in depth.
Cafe and Shop
The museum also has a café where visitors can read manga while enjoying snacks and drinks. The store also sells manga-related goods and books, which make great souvenirs.
Points of Attention at Sightseeing Spots
- Avoid crowds: We recommend visiting on weekdays, as the museum can be crowded on weekends and during special exhibitions.
- What to bring: The museum is air-conditioned, but if you plan to spend a lot of time in the outside area, you will need to dress appropriately for the season and wear sun protection.
- Photography: Photography is not permitted in some of the exhibits, so please follow local instructions.
- Time Allocation: We recommend that you allow plenty of time for your visit in order to thoroughly enjoy the spacious museum.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a place where visitors can learn about Japanese manga culture in depth. Through its diverse exhibits and events, visitors can fully experience the appeal of manga.
Access
Access to the Kyoto International Manga Museum is very convenient and can be easily reached from Kyoto Station. Below are the directions for access from Kyoto Station.
Access from Kyoto Station
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is conveniently accessible by train and bus. You can get there by the following ways
By subway
- Subway Karasuma Line: Take the Subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Karasuma-Oike Station. The trip takes about 5 minutes. From Karasuma-Oike Station to the museum is about a 2-minute walk, and the museum is located in the building of the former Tatsuike Elementary School, which can be seen immediately after Exit 2.
By bus
- City Bus No. 5: Take City Bus No. 5 from Kyoto Station bus stop and get off at Horikawa-Oike bus stop. The trip takes about 15 minutes. The museum is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
- City Bus Route 101: From the Kyoto Station bus stop, board City Bus Route 101 and disembark at the Karasuma-Oike stop. The trip takes about 20 minutes. From the bus stop to the museum is about a 2-minute walk.
By Taxi
It takes about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station to the Kyoto International Manga Museum by cab. Cabs are also convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if public transportation is congested.
Bicycle Rental
Bicycle rental is also widely used in Kyoto City. One option is to rent a bicycle near Kyoto Station and ride it to the museum. The trip takes about 15 minutes. Bicycle transportation is recommended as it allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of Kyoto while sightseeing.
Either way, access to the Kyoto International Manga Museum is easy and comfortable. Use public transportation, cab, or bicycle to visit the museum and enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Kyoto.
Hours of Operation, Admission Fees
When visiting the Kyoto International Manga Museum, it is advisable to check information about opening hours and admission fees in advance to ensure a smooth visit. Below are details about the Kyoto International Manga Museum’s business hours and admission fees.
Business Hours
The regular business hours of the Kyoto International Manga Museum are as follows
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a national holiday, the museum is closed the following day), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 through January 3)
The museum may be temporarily closed for special events or maintenance, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Admission Fees
Admission fees for the Kyoto International Manga Museum are as follows
- Adults: 900 yen
- Junior high and high school students: 400 yen
- Elementary school students: 200 yen
- Infants (4 years old and up): Free
- Group discount (20 or more people): Adults: 720 yen, Junior and senior high school students: 340 yen, Elementary school students: 160 yen
Additional fees may be charged when special exhibitions or events are held. Please check the official website for details.
Other Information
- Audio guides: Audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean as well as Japanese are available.
- Parking: The museum does not have its own parking lot, so public transportation is recommended. Please use a nearby pay parking lot.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a place where visitors can learn about Japanese manga culture in depth. Please check the opening hours and admission fees in advance and enjoy a pleasant sightseeing tour.
Summary
The Kyoto International Manga Museum, opened in 2006, is a sightseeing spot for a deeper understanding of Japanese manga culture. Housed in a former elementary school building, the museum houses a collection of about 300,000 manga, some of which can be viewed freely. The museum has a large collection of manga in English and other languages as well as in Japanese, making it an enjoyable place for foreign visitors.
Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the history and production process of manga through exhibits, and regular events and workshops are held, including hands-on manga production and signing sessions by artists. There is also a café and store where visitors can relax, enjoy manga, and purchase manga-related goods.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a place where you can learn more about Japanese manga culture. We hope you will visit and experience its charm to the fullest.
