International Manga Museum – Central Kyoto

The International Manga Museum (Kyoto International Manga Museum) is one of Kyoto’s most unique family attractions – colourful, relaxed and wonderfully creative. Housed inside a beautifully preserved 1929 school building, it combines a vast open-access manga library with interactive exhibitions and peaceful reading spaces. For families who want to balance culture with fun and take a break from Kyoto’s fast-paced sightseeing, this museum offers an engaging and refreshing stop right in the heart of the city.

How to Visit the International Manga Museum: Transport, Opening Hours & Prices

The museum is located in central Kyoto, within easy walking distance of Kawaramachi, Teramachi and the popular Pokémon Center Kyoto inside AEON Mall. Its central position makes it an ideal addition to a light, family-friendly day.

Getting there is straightforward. The closest metro stations are Karasuma Oike and Marutamachi, both just a short walk away. Buses and taxis also stop nearby. The surrounding streets are wide and flat, making them comfortable for families using strollers.

Opening hours:
10:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30).
Closed on Wednesdays, or on Thursday if Wednesday is a national holiday.

What Can Families See Inside the International Manga Museum?

A Historic Building That Feels Like a Storybook

The museum is housed in a former Japanese school from 1929, with wooden floors, long corridors and classrooms transformed into galleries. The warm, nostalgic atmosphere immediately appeals to children, who often describe it as stepping into an anime-style setting.

The Famous Wall of Manga

A highlight for many families is the Wall of Manga – thousands of volumes arranged from floor to ceiling, representing decades of manga history. Classic titles from the 1930s sit alongside modern works. Adults enjoy rediscovering old favourites, while children love exploring the colourful covers and characters.

Permanent & Temporary Exhibitions

The museum presents a variety of exhibits, including:

• Displays outlining the evolution of manga.
• Original sketches, tools and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process.
• Rotating exhibitions featuring modern works or specific manga themes.

This variety keeps the experience visual and accessible, especially for children who cannot read Japanese.

Quiet Reading Zones & Outdoor Lawn

Reading corners with sofas and soft seating are available on every floor. Outside, a grassy lawn offers a relaxing break – perfect for children who want to lie down with a book while parents enjoy a moment of rest.

Kamishibai – Traditional Paper Theatre

Kamishibai performances feature illustrated storycards inside a wooden frame. The simple, colourful storytelling makes it a delightful activity for younger visitors.

Live Drawing Demonstrations

Occasionally, manga artists demonstrate their techniques in front of visitors, explaining how expressions, movement and character details are created. Teens interested in drawing often find this deeply inspiring.

Gift Shop

The museum shop offers manga volumes, notebooks, pens, ink tools and unique design items – many of which are hard to find elsewhere in Kyoto.

Stepping into the courtyard felt like a breath of calm in the middle of Kyoto. The kids ran around while I enjoyed a quiet moment under the trees.

What’s Near the International Manga Museum and Worth Adding to the Same Day?

Pokémon Center Kyoto

Only a short walk away inside AEON Mall, this large character store is a favourite among families. With plush toys, games, themed accessories and photo spots, it offers a fun and energetic contrast to the museum’s calmer atmosphere. It’s an ideal second stop for families with children who enjoy bright, interactive experiences.

Kawaramachi & Teramachi Shopping Streets

These lively shopping arcades are perfect for a relaxed family stroll. They feature toy shops, manga merchandise, colourful accessories and popular “kawaii” items. The covered walkways make them convenient in all weather, and they provide an easy way for kids to release energy after spending time indoors.

Kyoto Seika University Manga Library

A quieter, more academic setting, this library is best suited for teens with a deeper interest in manga creation or illustration. It’s a place to explore older works or focus on artistic techniques in a peaceful environment.

Kyoto Anime Spots (88 Anime Spots of Japan)

The museum is part of Kyoto’s official list of anime-related landmarks. Families who want to extend the theme of the day can explore other sites around the city that appear in well-known anime series.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Combining the museum with the Pokémon Center creates a balanced “culture + fun” day that works especially well for families with kids of different ages.

Who Is the International Manga Museum Suitable For?

Families with Kids (5-18)

The museum is highly accessible for children thanks to its visual exhibitions, Kamishibai storytelling and open reading areas. Even kids who do not read Japanese can enjoy the colourful illustrations and relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor lawn also gives families a pleasant break during a busy sightseeing day.

Teen Manga & Anime Fans

For teens who love drawing or anime, this museum feels like stepping behind the scenes of their favourite world. Original sketches, artist tools and thousands of manga volumes help them explore the creative process in depth.

Parents Interested in Culture & Design

Adults who enjoy visual art will appreciate the detailed exhibitions explaining how manga is developed-from early sketches to final ink. The preserved school building adds another layer of charm.

Visitors with Limited Mobility

Elevators are available, though some areas may become crowded during peak hours. On certain days, the museum offers free entry for a visitor with a disability and one accompanying person.

Travellers Seeking a Calm Indoor Break

On rainy or crowded days in Kyoto, the museum offers a peaceful and enjoyable pause without sacrificing the cultural aspect of a family trip.

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More Info

One-Day Sample Flow

10:00 – International Manga Museum (2-3 hours)
Arrive at Karasuma Oike Station and walk 5-7 minutes to the entrance. Explore the historic school building, the Wall of Manga, the exhibitions, Kamishibai and any live drawing demonstrations taking place that day.

13:00 – Teramachi Shopping Street (1.5-2 hours)
Walk about 10 minutes to this lively covered arcade. Enjoy a simple family-friendly lunch and let children browse toys, manga items and “kawaii” shops. It’s a relaxed way to keep everyone engaged after a quieter morning.

15:00 – Pokémon Center Kyoto (60-90 minutes)
Walk roughly 12 minutes to AEON Mall. The large store offers plush toys, games and colourful photo spots-ideal for kids and teens.

17:00 – Return to Karasuma Oike Station
Walk or take a short metro ride back to your hotel area, depending on your evening plans.

I loved this display of artists’ hands – each one holding a pen frozen in time. It made me appreciate the creativity behind every manga page.

Traveller Reviews

Emily Carter – visited in 2023
I came with my two children, and they were excited to find an exhibition featuring a manga they already knew. The old school building added a charming atmosphere. It was a little crowded, but a wonderful stop for families.

Daniel Hughes – visited in 2019
I stopped by spontaneously and ended up enjoying the huge Wall of Manga far more than expected. Thousands of volumes in every style made it a great place to wander slowly rather than rush through.

Sophia Martinez – visited in 2024
We booked the Manga Portrait, and it became the highlight for my teens. The artist added personal details to the background, which made the result feel unique. A memorable and reasonably priced family souvenir.

Michael Turner – visited in 2018
Most books were in Japanese, so my kids didn’t spend long reading, but they enjoyed the exhibitions and the fact that the building used to be a school. I’d recommend it mainly for families who truly enjoy manga.

Olivia Bennett – visited in 2022
We came on a rainy morning and waited in a long line before opening. Inside it was crowded but very impressive. Arrive early-especially if your children love manga, because you could stay much longer than planned.

Jason Miller – visited in 2021
My daughter, who loves drawing, was fascinated by the live sketch demonstrations. Watching the artist explain expressions and motion kept her inspired. The reading lawn was a peaceful break in the middle of our busy Kyoto trip.

Hannah Lewis – visited in 2025
I loved the mix of nostalgia and creativity. The old classrooms turned into galleries made everything feel warm and inviting. Pairing the visit with Pokémon Center Kyoto created a perfect family day-calm, colourful and fun.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• Arrive a few minutes before opening.
  From my experience, lines can form early on rainy or busy days. Being there before 10:00 makes the visit smoother and far more comfortable for kids.
• Register for the Manga Portrait immediately.
  Slots disappear quickly. I always sign up the moment I enter and explore the exhibitions while waiting for my turn.
• Don’t try to cover everything.
  The collection is huge. I usually choose one theme-like Shōjo or classic fantasy-so the kids stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
• Focus on visual zones if you don’t read Japanese.
  Most volumes are in Japanese, so I guide my kids toward sketches, artist tools and process displays. It keeps the experience fun and frustration-free.
• Use the old school corridors for unique photos.
  The wooden hallways and soft lighting create family pictures you won’t get in Kyoto’s crowded outdoor spots.
• Take a break on the reading lawn.
  When the museum gets busy, stepping outside gives everyone a moment to reset. It’s one of my favourite quiet spots.
• Combine the museum with Pokémon Center Kyoto.
  It’s only a short walk away, and after a calm museum visit, the colourful store gives kids the energy boost they love.
• Choose a weekday morning if possible.
  Weekends fill up fast. A weekday visit-especially right at opening-offers more space around the Wall of Manga.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I visited the International Manga Museum (Kyoto International Manga Museum) in autumn 2023, and it quickly became one of the most unexpectedly warm and creative family stops in Kyoto. The 1929 school building sets a cosy atmosphere the moment you step inside-long wooden corridors, old classrooms turned into galleries and endless shelves of manga that make you feel as if you’ve walked into a storybook world.

My children were fascinated by the live drawing demonstrations, and the Manga Portrait became the kind of personalised memory they talked about long after the trip. The only real challenge was the language barrier: most books are in Japanese, so we focused on the visual zones, sketches and artist workspaces. It turned out to be the perfect approach for a family visit.

Kyoto offers many unforgettable experiences, and the International Manga Museum is truly one of its most distinctive. I’d be happy to help you create a personalised itinerary through Kyoto-and across Japan-that matches your family’s rhythm and interests.

Price Table

FAQ – International Manga Museum

Is the International Manga Museum suitable for children aged 5-18?
Yes. The visual exhibitions, Kamishibai shows and open reading areas make it engaging for a wide range of ages.

How long should we plan for a visit?
Most families spend 2-3 hours, while manga fans may stay longer.

Are there queues at the entrance?
Yes. On rainy days and during peak seasons, lines can form before opening time.

Do we need to understand Japanese to enjoy the museum? (first-hand)
When I visited, most books were in Japanese, so we focused on the visual exhibits. My kids still enjoyed every moment.

Is the Manga Portrait worth it? (first-hand)
Yes. I did it with my children, and the artist customised every detail. It became our favourite keepsake from the day.

How do we get to the museum?
The closest metro stations are Karasuma Oike and Marutamachi, both within a short walk.

Is the museum crowded during peak hours?
It can get busy, especially around the Wall of Manga. Morning visits are the most comfortable.

What can we combine with the museum on the same day?
The Pokémon Center Kyoto and the Teramachi/Kawaramachi shopping streets are nearby and easy to add to the same itinerary.

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