Museums & galleries
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Known locally as MoMAK, this is one of Japan's national-level museums for modern and contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions covering painting, photography, ceramics and design alongside its collection holdings. It suits travellers who want a break from temples and shrines and are interested in 20th- and 21st-century Japanese and international art, including strong holdings in Kyoto-related crafts and ceramics.
Getting there
The museum sits in the Okazaki area on the eastern side of central Kyoto, near the Heian Jingū torii gate. From downtown Kyoto (around Kawaramachi or Shijō), it's roughly a 15-20 minute bus or taxi ride, or about a 25-30 minute walk. Kyoto's subway doesn't reach Okazaki directly, so bus or taxi is the more practical option for most visitors.
Time to allow
Plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on whether a special exhibition is running alongside the permanent collection displays.
When to go
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Special exhibitions, especially ones tied to well-known artists, can draw larger crowds on weekends and holidays, so check what's currently showing before you go if you prefer to avoid queues.
Combine it with
- Heian Jingū (0.5km) – a large Shinto shrine right next to the museum, an easy add-on before or after.
- Chion-in Temple (0.8km) – a short walk away, known for its massive gate.
- Sanjō Ōhashi Bridge (1km) – worth pairing with a stroll along the Kamo River.
- Yasaka Shrine (1km) – close enough to combine into a half-day loop through the Okazaki and Higashiyama areas.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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