Galerie Temenaga Kyoto is my favorite small art gallery in Kyoto. Located an easy walk from Kyoto Station, the gallery displays work from some of Japan’s most interesting up-and-coming artists in a fine restored Kyoto machiya.
Galerie Temenaga Kyoto © Chris Rowthorn
I had been hearing about this place for a few years before I finally visited in early 2025. Now, I’m kicking myself: The gallery far exceeded my expectations and I wish I had been sending people here much sooner. The space is relatively small, but they make very good use of it. Whoever curates the work has excellent taste. The pieces that were on display when I visited were in familiar Japanese media and themes, but with an exciting modern feeling. In particular, my eyes were drawn to a piece by local Mie Prefecture artist Arata Higuchi, an ebullient work that calls to mind the animal and bird pieces done by Ito Jakuchu.
Arata Higuchi piece at Galerie Temenaga © Chris Rowthorn
The work is carefully displayed and there’s usually someone on hand who can provide some brief explanation. So, if you want to check out just one small art gallery in Kyoto, consider Galerie Temenaga. And, you can easily pair it with a visit to the Kyoto National Museum, which is a 10-minute walk away. From there, hit Sanjusangen-do Temple and then head to Tofuku-ji Temple (I could go on, but I won’t).
Galerie Temenaga interior © Chris Rowthorn
Name in English:
Galerie Temenaga Kyoto
Name in Japanese:
ギャルリーためなが京都店
English address:
265-7 Kamihoritsume-cho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区上堀詰町265-7
Opening hours:
11:00am-7:00pm
Admission:
Free
Nearest Transport:
3-minute walk from Nanajo Keihan-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station
Telephone:
+81-75-532-3001
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Galerie Temenaga Kyoto is located in Kyoto Station area. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto Station area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
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