Highlights of the Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is jointly operated by the City of Kyoto and Kyoto Seika University and collects, preserves, exhibits, and researches manga. Housed in the former Ryuchi Elementary School building, it offers both the experience of reading manga and exhibitions on its history and creative culture under one roof.
Manga Wall
The “Manga Wall” inside the building is an open-access collection of approximately 5 ten thousand volumes, mainly published since the 1970 era, arranged on bookshelves with a total length of about 200 meters. The 1 floor features works for boys, the 2 floor features works for girls, and the 3 floor features works for young men, arranged alphabetically by the authors’ names according to Japanese ordering. Visitors can take out works that catch their interest and read them.
In addition to works from Japan, “Manga Expo” introduces translated editions and comics created overseas. The museum houses works from different periods and in varied styles, along with materials preserved and studied for research, covering the history of manga culture and its international reach.
Former Ryuchi Elementary School building
The building was created by renovating and partially extending the former Ryuchi Elementary School, which was built in the early Shōwa period. Stairways and corridors that retain traces of the school connect with modern additions to form exhibition and reading spaces.
Visitors read the manga they have chosen on the stairs and landings of the former school building. Spaces that retain the structure of the school era are used as reading areas, bringing together the character of the former school building and the facility’s present-day use. A distinctive feature of this facility is that, beyond simply viewing the exhibits, taking time to read the works itself is part of the experience.
Grass field
Many visitors read manga on the grassy grounds surrounded by the old school building and its glass-enclosed extension. On days when books selected inside may be taken outdoors, the former schoolyard becomes an open-air reading area. Conditions for outdoor use may change depending on the weather and circumstances.
Special Exhibitions and Events
The permanent exhibition presents materials on the history and creation of manga, as well as expressive cultures in Japan and around the world. In addition, special exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, and workshops explore manga artists, works, and manga culture from a range of perspectives. As the program varies by season, check the official website for exhibition and event information before visiting.
Basic Information about the Kyoto International Manga Museum
The information below was checked against official sources on September 30, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Check the opening calendar, admission fees, online tickets, and current exhibitions.
開館時間・料金・優待・年間パスポート - 京都国際マンガミュージアムkyotomm.jp
- 📍 Location
- Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, on Karasuma-dori north of Oike (former Ryuchi Elementary School)
- 🕐 Opening hours
- 10:00〜17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- 🚫 Closed
- Wednesdays (the following day when Wednesday is a public holiday), the year-end and New Year period, and maintenance periods
- 💴 Admission fees
-
- Adults: 1,200 yen
- Junior high and high school students: 400 yen
- Elementary school students: 200 yen
- ⏱ Suggested time
- If you are mainly viewing the exhibitions, allow approximately 1 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you plan to read manga inside, allowing about half a day gives you plenty of time. ⚠️ Visit duration varies depending on crowding, how much of the exhibitions you view, and reading time.
Access to the Kyoto International Manga Museum
Subway
It is about a 2-minute walk from exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma and Tōzai Lines. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station.
Bus
It is right by the Karasuma Oike stop for Kyoto City Bus.
By car
There is no dedicated parking. Please use public transportation or paid parking lots nearby.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Kyoto: A guide to attractions, food, transportation, and suggested itineraries”.
