Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

As a place that celebrates 20th-century contemporary art, this museum has innovative themes that are very different from traditional Kyoto culture.

Kyoto’s National Museum of Modern Art is the hub of creativity and innovation in the city. It collects and displays an eclectic range of works, some are by world-famous artists while others are local competition-winning pieces. It contains many temporary exhibitions along with some permanent features, such as the Collection Gallery. Enjoy the tranquil ambience of the spacious halls and appreciate the skill of the 20th-century “oeuvres d’art” on show from Japan and the rest of the world.

Head to the museum to fill a few hours with the delights and challenges of post-modern culture. Browse temporary exhibitions of anything from imperial artifacts to modern cinema. Enjoy the Collection Gallery’s blend of Japanese and foreign styles of painting, along with sculptures, photography and many other pastiches. Attend outdoor showings or watch a movie in the Lecture Hall. Take photos of the building’s innovative design, which was built to reflect its modern themes.

Take breakfast or lunch and a coffee at the café by the entrance. Peruse the museum store for souvenirs. Stroll among the cherry blossom trees on the canal just outside the museum’s entrance.

The site opened to the public in 1986. The English acronym MOMAK is often used in place of the full name of the museum. The museum is open from morning until afternoon, and certain exhibitions and the Collection Gallery require an admission fee. There are educational programs and workshops available.

The National Museum of Modern Art is located right by the Municipal Zoo and the Heian Shrine in the northeastern region of the city. Take a bus from Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae. The Higashiyama Train Station on the Tozai Subway Line is a half mile (0.8 kilometers) on foot from the institution. There is no official parking lot, but you can use the Okazaki-kouen underground lot nearby. Paying visitors to the museum receive a parking discount.

Guide to Exploring around Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

Eikando Temple

 Explore this hillside temple which features a statue with an unusual history, connected wooden walkways, a bathhouse and a steam house.

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Heian Shrine

An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.

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Nanzenji Temple

Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

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Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto ￥4,714

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Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

410-3 Shimomaruya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Honnoji Temple and Pontocho. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market are also within 10 minutes. Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and Shiyakusho-mae Station are within a 5-minute walk.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto ￥8,889

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RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

1 Taimatsu-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, HigashiHorikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Nishihonganji Temple, Kyoto Tower, and Kyoto Aquarium. Higashi Honganji Temple and Toji Temple are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kyoto Station is 9 minutes by foot and Kyoto Toji Station is 12 minutes.

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo ￥10,727

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The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

74 Nakajimacho,Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is steps from Kiyamachi Street and Pontocho. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market are also within 10 minutes. Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and Shiyakusho-mae Station are within a 5-minute walk.

CROSS HOTEL KYOTO ￥12,666

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CROSS HOTEL KYOTO

71-1 Daikokucho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Central Kyoto, this hotel is steps from Kiyamachi Street and Pontocho. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market are also within 10 minutes. Sanjo Keihan Station and Kyoto Sanjo Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Kyoto Hotel Okura ￥13,973

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Kyoto Hotel Okura

604-8558 Kawaramachi-Oike,Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Kyoto hotel is located in the business district, within a 10-minute walk of Kiyamachi Street, Kawaramachi, and Pontocho. Nishiki Market and Kyoto University are also within 15 minutes. Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and Shiyakusho-mae Station are within a 2-minute walk.

Kyoto Yura Hotel - MGallery ￥20,741

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Kyoto Yura Hotel - MGallery

84 OHASHICHO, Kyoto

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Sanjo, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Nishiki Market and Chion-in Temple. Heian Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within 2 mi (3 km). Sanjo Keihan Station and Kyoto Sanjo Station are within a 2-minute walk.

Shiki Shiki Higashiyama ￥3,796

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Shiki Shiki Higashiyama

449-2, Hachikencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Kyoto, this guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Shoren-in Temple, Pontocho, and Yasaka Shrine. Heian Shrine and Kawaramachi are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is only a 2-minute walk and Sanjo Keihan Station is 7 minutes.

Kyo no Ondokoro OKAZAKI #1 ￥48,741

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Kyo no Ondokoro OKAZAKI #1

91-85 Enshoji, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Okazaki, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art and Heian Shrine. Nanzenji Temple and Yasaka Shrine are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 5 minutes by foot and Keage Station is 9 minutes.

Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art

Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art