The Kyoto International Manga Museum is the best manga museum in the entire country. If you’re a fan of Japanese comics, don’t miss it!
International Manga Museum: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com
Located in a former school building, the Kyoto International Manga Museum has a collection of over 300,000 manga (Japanese comics). They line the walls in every direction and you’re free to read them and the place is invariably packed with manga otaku (manga freaks) perusing their favorites (be careful not to step on anyone, since squatting on the floor seems to be the favored reading position). There are displays on the evolution of manga, demonstrations on how to draw manga, as well as occasional performances of kamishibai, in which a performer tells a story accompanied by a paper scroll with scenes to illustrate the story. While kamishibai originated in the 12th century as a means for monks to teach illiterate peasants about Buddhism, it was brought back to life in the early 20th century by itinerant performers who traveled the country on bicycles selling sweets to their audiences.
English address:
Karasuma-dori, Oike agaru, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区烏丸通御池上ル
Opening hours:
10am-6pm, last entry 5:30pm
Closed Wednesday, the following Thursday when Wednesday is a national holiday, and New Year holiday
Admission:
Adults: 800
Junior and high school students: 300
Elementary school students: 100
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
3min walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Karasuma & Tozai subway line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Kyoto International Manga Museum on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
254-7414
Website:
Official Website (English)

Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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Near To Here:
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help