Kyoto · MUSEUMS
10 reviewed
Kyoto rewards booking ahead, and the 10 museum experiences here are why. Compare the prices, the durations and what makes each one different, then lock in the one that fits your days.
Grind tencha into fresh matcha at Chazuna in Uji. Learn tea history in interactive exhibits, then whisk and brew.
“Amazing experience! It was so informative and well designed. Exceeded expectations!”
A one-hour guided Samurai and Ninja Museum visit in Kyoto with armor trials, shuriken throwing, and great sword-photo moments.
“A knowledgeable tour on ninjas and samurais with Shuriken throwing games / competition and the dress up of a samurai. Great experience for families.”
Watch Kyomai dance by geiko and maiko at Gion Kagai Art Museum, then explore garden and Kagai culture exhibits. 15 minutes.
“This was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life! The Maiko were so beautiful. I should have had a photo taken. Next time…”
Practice iaido with a safe replica sword in Kyoto, dress like a samurai, throw a ninja star, and get a free museum tour included.
“Really enjoyed the experience however I agree with other reviewers that it was a bit disjointed. First you go and do the samurai training and sword cutting, which was really great, then (in a different building about three minutes away) the museum tour, and finally up two flights of stairs to do the ninja star throwing. Everyone was really nice but I would say just keep going back and asking if there’s something you haven’t found/done yet, as it is all there. The 10 person limit doesn’t seem to be adhered to either, we were 14 which was fine but something to be aware of if that’s a concern.”
A 1-hour Kyoto guided tour at the Samurai Ninja Museum with English explanations, samurai dress-up, and shuriken throwing for $28.
“Wonderful! So interesting and so fun! It is the perfect balance between keeping the people interested and letting them interact ! It was honestly so nice”
Do ninja training in Kyoto with shuriken and a blowgun, then visit the Samurai Ninja Museum. Outfits included.
“the instructors were nice but we were sold a 75 minute experience but it only lasted 40 minutes . Not really an authentic experience by any stretch of the imagination. Definitely not good value for money”
Kyomai dance by geiko or maiko plus a visit to Gion Kagai Art Museum. Short live show, kimonos and artifacts, $20 mobile ticket.
“Great getting a taste of the maiko/geisha experience. The performance was captivating. The museum was informative.”
Dress as a samurai in Kyoto, learn sword basics with a wooden katana, and take photos in themed backdrops in a small group.
“Was fun and relaxed, should have booked for the adults only one, but didn't realise at the time. Great history.”
Make an Itajime shibori scarf in a small Kyoto class near Nijo Castle, with museum time and wearable silk results.
“I loved it. Lots of personal help. And lots of choices of patterns and color ways.”
A full day at Kyoto Railway Museum with 53 real trains, hands-on simulators, and a working steam locomotive and turntable roundhouse.
“nice to see the history of the train in Japan and of course see the bullet train”
Dye a snowflake-pattern Sekka-shibori furoshiki at Kyoto Shibori Museum in a small 1-hour class, with museum time and shop browsing included.
“The scarves we made were so beautiful! And it was not too difficult to make. The staff was very helpful and enthusiastic. Seeing the museum was interesting while the scarves were drying. Definitely recommend this activity for people interested in fabric art and having a nice souvenir to bring home.”
