The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free and themed workshops let them draw or role-play staff, but mostly look-only galleries and quiet rules can bore kids under twelve after an hour.
Positives:
- Free child admission: Visitors middle school age and younger enter for free, making it budget-friendly for families.
- Stroller and baby facilities: Borrow free strollers and use diaper-changing stations on the 1st and 4th floors.
- Relaxation benches: Plenty of seating by windows lets kids rest or sketch without extra fee.
Challenges:
- Quiet gallery rules: Galleries require low noise; supervise children to keep voices and footsteps soft.
- Japanese-language labels: Most exhibit information is in Japanese; bring a simple guidebook or translate via app.
- Limited workshop spots: Family workshops have small capacity and need advance booking or a lottery entry.
What is The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto?
- A national museum in Kyoto devoted to 20th-century modern art by Japanese and international artists
- Home to a permanent collection of nihonga and yōga paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and rotating special exhibitions
- Architecture that integrates modernist design with the Okazaki Canal setting, featuring a light gray façade and light-filled galleries
What is so special about The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto for with kids?
- Free entry for children and discounted adult rates during Family Hour
- Hands-on workshops let kids role-play museum jobs
- Comfortable benches and stroller loans support young families
- Café terrace offers snacks and canal views without a ticket
- Lockers, nursing rooms, and changing stations ease family logistics
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives time to enjoy galleries, rest at benches, join workshops, and visit the café without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
Join MoMAK Family Hour:
Enter one hour before opening on special exhibition days with free child entry and discounted adult tickets.
Tip: Check the museum website for dates and book adult tickets in advance.
Participate in the Work Experience Workshop:
Kids role-play as curator, guard, and ticket staff in a hands-on museum program.
Tip: Register early online; spots fill quickly and may use a lottery system.
Sketch at the 4th-Floor Relaxation Benches:
Sit by large windows overlooking Higashiyama while kids draw or rest.
Tip: Bring small sketchpads and colored pencils to keep children engaged.
Visit the Café Terrace:
No ticket needed to enter; enjoy coffee, pasta, and pastries overlooking the Lake Biwa Canal.
Tip: Order kid-friendly desserts and let children watch boats pass below.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
- Buy tickets online: Skip the ticket line by purchasing adult admission in advance on the museum’s site.
- Visit on weekday mornings: Arrive early on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter gallery time.
- Use free lockers: Store bags and coats in first-floor lockers to move freely through exhibits.
Reviews of The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
Kellan Fabjance
Nice, but small, museum. There is a kimono exhibition on currently, which was nice but pricey. ¥2000 for a combined ticket. There were only maybe 20 kimonos on display, for the price a little disappointing. But worth a look.
Barnabas
A nice museum that features a lot of Japanese artists. The main exhibit hall is very reasonably priced, but the special exhibits are quite a bit higher. A nice place to spend some time [out of the heat and away from the crowds] and get a different perspective on Kyoto.
Ben Hills-Jones
Came for the Young Poland exhibition which was very interesting and well presented. Perm collection is on floor 4 mainly modern Japanese also very interesting. Cafe nice too with outdoor patio. 2000Y entry cars and cash both ok.
David Wilson
Great museum housing a wondering array of modern, and classical, Japanese art (with some European artists as well)
Axel Büse
Small but interesting permanent collection. We also visited the Young Poland exhibition. Everything was very well presented.
When is the best time to visit The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)?
Look for summer art workshops in August, Family Hour during major exhibitions, and Doyo Bijutsu Saturday sessions for ages 6–9; sign up early.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × ¥430) | JPY 860 |
| Café snacks for family | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,860 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
Address: 26-1 Okazaki Enshōjichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344, Japan
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About The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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+81 75-761-4111Explore Popular Things to Do
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