Kyoto National Museum, Kyoto

The Kyoto National Museum stands as the city's foremost art institution, hosting top-tier permanent as well as temporary exhibitions with bilingual displays for easy understanding.

Established in 1895 as an imperial repository for art and treasures from local temples and shrines, it now spans three floors, each dedicated to different exhibition areas: Fine Arts, Handicrafts, and Archaeology. Notable collections include artifacts from the Haien Era, rare ancient Chinese and Japanese Sutras, the Senzui Byōbu landscape screen from the 11th century, and the Gakizōshi "scroll of the hungry ghosts" from the 12th century.

Venturing outdoors, the museum's East Garden showcases sculptures from the Korean peninsula, while the West Garden features early stone Buddhas and foundation stones. For a touch of European flair, visitors can also admire a cast of Rodin's "The Thinker" on the grounds.

The Heisei Chishinkan, a modern addition designed by Taniguchi Yoshio and opened in 2014, provides a striking contrast to the original red-brick main hall building.

Tip:
Don't hesitate to consult the Kyoto Visitor's Guide for current exhibitions during your visit.