Kyoto · MUSEUMS
On a wet June afternoon a museum is not a fallback, it is the plan. The 15 below cover the Kyoto National Museum, the railway hall and the smaller craft collections, with entry prices and which tickets skip the queue.
Grind Uji tea leaves into matcha, learn to whisk it with an English-speaking instructor, and explore Chazuna’s interactive tea museum.
“It was informative and fun to make and drink matcha so fresh!”
Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum offers a lively one-hour tour with armor, swords, shuriken throwing, and clear cultural context.
“The tour was way overbooked. It was so crowded you couldn't even get all the people on the tour in the room. Too many people made this experience horrible”
See two graceful Kyomai dances by a geiko or maiko, then explore Gion culture, kimono, music, a garden, and a museum shop in Kyoto.
“I enjoyed the performance and taking a picture with Maiko, highly recommended if you’re in Kyoto”
Dress as a samurai, learn basic iaido, throw ninja stars, and tour Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum in this hands-on two-hour experience.
“Riku provided the best experience I’ve encountered thus far on my Japan Visit. I feel like I went through actual training to become a Samurai. I am grateful for the knowledge this museum had to offer. Thank you also to Riu for taking us on a guided tour and allowing us to interact with the history through artifacts.”
Review of Kyoto’s one-hour Samurai Ninja Museum tour, with English guidance, armor dress-up, sword handling, and ninja star throwing.
“Fantastic tour with Taka - he was very informative and lots of fun”
Kyoto’s family-friendly ninja experience includes shuriken, blowguns, costumes, sword skills, and a Samurai Ninja Museum visit.
“This was a fun experience! Our kids had a blast! Who doesn’t love throwing stars and blow darts. It was fun to learn more about ninjas and Samurai’s.”
Watch a 15-minute Kyomai dance by a maiko or geiko, then explore Gion Kagai Art Museum and its exquisite kimono collection.
“It was the perfect duration of performance for us. About 20 min long and the geiko museum was very informative for who want to spend more time knowing about geiko and Maiko traditions. And each show accommodates about 40-50 people, so everyone can see the dancers from up close. Please be aware that you have to remove the shoes before entering the building. better if kids stay quiet.”
Dress in samurai armor, learn sword basics, and pose for photos at Kyoto’s family-friendly Samurai Museum experience.
“Fun time for kids!!! It is not well described you don’t experience Samurai you are taught to be a Samurai that for kids is ok”
Explore 53 Japanese trains, drive simulators, a working steam locomotive, and Kyoto Railway Museum’s historic roundhouse for $9.
“Really good. Quiet. Cool inside. A lot to see and interact with.”
Dress as a samurai in Kyoto, learn katana movements, try ninja weapons, and pose in armor during this family-friendly two-hour lesson.
“The teacher was really good and in a small class it was really fun. I can recomend Raito as an experienced teacher”
Tour Yamazaki whisky by lottery alternative, taste three products at extra cost, and see Monet at Asahi Oyamazaki Villa Museum.
“Aya is a great guide. She is knowledgeable and patient. We had a great time. Thank you Aya for sharing great information with us specifically at the Asahi museum🇯🇵❤️”
Pair Monet, Picasso, and Chagall with Japanese whisky history on a three-hour Kyoto tour, including museum entry, an English assistant, and a gift.
“So helpful to get entry into tasting and tour guide was patient and informative. She walked us around and provided a lot of history of the distillery.”
Make a stylish shibori scarf in Kyoto, then explore museum treasures, tools, fabrics, and the shop near Nijo Castle.
“The friendly and helpful staff made the process easy. I really enjoyed visiting the Shibori museum while my scarf was drying and learning more about this ancient process, as well as viewing the beautiful scarves and other accessories available for purchase. Highly recommend this class!”
Explore Uji tea’s origins, production, and varieties through hands-on digital displays and Uji history exhibits at Chazuna.
Step into Kyoto’s Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa for tatami rooms, seasonal gardens, and matcha tea beside a quiet river.
“Calming experience. Insight to the traditional architecture. Well preserved and cared for house. Not much English translation available other than the standard leaflet. Tea on the living room looking out over the garden made it feel like we were alone and living history.”
