The Japan Kanji Museum is a place I've been wanting to go to for a super-long time and in December I finally managed it. I enjoyed my visit, but before I proceed I should say right away that this museum might not appeal to you if you can't read Japanese. Apart from in the special exhibition area, all the display information is in Japanese only. There are some English-language … [Read more...] about Japan Kanji Museum
Museums
The Toy Film Museum – おもちゃ映画ミュージアム
The Toy Film Museum, opened on May 18th 2015 on a tiny little side street just off Koin Doori in the Mibu area. I ventured down there shortly after it opened to see what it was like. My general feeling after visiting is that the place has a lot of potential, but if you are not fluent in Japanese and/or super interested in old movies then this place isn't really for you. I am … [Read more...] about The Toy Film Museum – おもちゃ映画ミュージアム
Pictures from the “Hall of New Knowledge” – The New Wing of Kyoto National Museum
I have a guest article on Chris Rowthorn's Inside Kyoto today, all about the new Heisei Chishinkan wing of Kyoto National Museum. This new wing presents a thought provoking contrast to the main building, the Meiji Kotokan. The latter was built in the late 19th century, when designing public buildings in a European style was seen as modern and progressive, and it has an ornate … [Read more...] about Pictures from the “Hall of New Knowledge” – The New Wing of Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum ~ 京都万華鏡ミュージアム
Though small, this is certainly one of the most charming museums I have been to in Kyoto. Entry for adults is a mere 500 yen, and for that you get to play with around 50 of the 250 varied, inventive and frankly quite wonderful kaleidoscopes the museum has thus far collected. A sweet old gentleman and lady were very happy to show us how each instrument worked and once an hour … [Read more...] about Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum ~ 京都万華鏡ミュージアム
Kyoto International Manga Museum
I'm a big fan of Kyoto International Manga Museum. Jointly administered by Seika University and the city of Kyoto, it is clear that a lot of consideration went into its layout and design. Here are some things to love about the museum: *They have a massive manga collection you can browse and read at your leisure. And if your Japanese isn't up to scratch, they have Japanese … [Read more...] about Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Miho Museum
If you fancy a day out of Kyoto and a bit of fresh country air, a trip into Shiga to visit the Miho Museum might be a nice little adventure for you. This is a most extraordinary private art collection, held in a most extraordinary building, and in an extraordinary location! The building itself is remarkable, designed by I. M. Pei (he's the guy that designed the glass pyramid … [Read more...] about The Miho Museum
