When you think of Kyoto, traditional streetscapes, shrines, and temples probably come to mind first. It’s one of my favourite places—somewhere you can truly feel Japan’s wa (harmony) and ancient culture, and it never gets old no matter how many times you visit. But did you know that Kyoto is quietly becoming home to some incredible modern art and design spaces too?
I’m excited to share some of my favourite contemporary galleries, museums, and cultural spots that every art lover should have on their Kyoto itinerary. These places beautifully blend the city’s timeless aesthetic with fresh, creative energy.
Contemporary Galleries in Kyoto
1. The Terminal KYOTO
This gem is housed in a lovingly restored 1932 machiya (traditional townhouse) that was originally built by the founder of Kizaki Kimono Store, one of Kyoto’s most prestigious kimono dealers. You can feel the care and craftsmanship that went into every detail—from the original genkan (entryway) and earthen floor to the tea room and tranquil inner garden.
What makes this place special is how it honours the traditional townhouse structure while creating space for contemporary culture, art, and food. It’s part of a broader movement to preserve Kyoto’s disappearing machiya, and honestly, just stepping inside gives you an instant sense of the city’s layered beauty.
📍 424 Iwatoyama-cho, Shinmachi-dori Bukoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
2. SAN ROOM
Tucked away in northern Kyoto, this intimate space focuses on photography and experimental art, with a small design shop attached. The name comes from its three rooms (san means “three” in Japanese)—simple but clever, right? It’s the kind of place where you can really take your time with each piece and have genuine conversations about art.
📍 293-5 Muromachi Kashira-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
3. Iwakura AA (Hakimono Sekizuka Iwakura AA)
This is such a unique find—a select gallery shop and workshop space run by Hakimono Sekizuka, specialising in “Japanese footwear that isn’t shoes.” The concept alone fascinated me, but the space itself is equally compelling: a converted timber warehouse in a quiet residential area surrounded by nature.
Here you’ll find traditional Japanese footwear alongside carefully curated ceramics, vintage items, and clothing from both Japan and abroad. It’s perfect for slow browsing when you want to appreciate craftsmanship, natural materials, and the stories behind each piece. If you’re drawn to handmade objects and authentic narratives, this place will speak to you.
📍 642-19 Iwakura Hanazono-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
4. COHJU Contemporary Art
Located near the Imperial Palace, COHJU has built a solid reputation for showcasing emerging and mid-career artists across diverse media. It’s become a go-to spot for collectors and design-savvy travellers who want to see what’s happening in contemporary Japanese art right now.
📍 Esuu Building, 557 Bishamoncho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
5. Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto
Set in a beautifully renovated Kyoto townhouse, Mori Yu presents bold contemporary works ranging from conceptual art to photography. The architecture itself is worth the visit—there’s something magical about experiencing cutting-edge art within these traditional wooden walls.
📍 4-19 Shogoin Rengezoucho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
Museums & Timeless Collections
6. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
This is an absolute must-visit for any art lover coming to Kyoto. The building itself is stunning—a perfect marriage of 1930s architecture with sleek modern renovations that somehow honour both eras beautifully.
The collection focuses on modern and contemporary art from Kyoto, with around 4,400 works including Japanese painting, Western painting, sculpture, crafts, calligraphy, and prints. Pro tip: The museum café offers picnic sets that you can enjoy in Okazaki Park right in front of the museum—such a lovely way to extend your cultural afternoon.
📍 124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
7. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
As someone deeply interested in crafts and mingei (folk art), this is currently at the top of my must-visit list. It’s perfect for design lovers—the museum showcases Kyoto’s traditional industries like textiles, ceramics, and lacquerware through beautifully contemporary presentations.
What I love about their approach is showing the tools and processes behind the crafts. You can really feel, learn, and appreciate the journey from raw materials to finished pieces. It’s hands-on learning at its finest.
📍 B1F, Miyako Messe, 9-1 Okazaki Seisho-ji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
8. Fukuda Art Museum
Located in Arashiyama (famous for its bamboo groves), this museum houses an impressive collection of Japanese paintings. The building itself is designed with Japanese architecture in mind—think storage-house-inspired exhibition rooms, veranda-like corridors, and exterior glass walls featuring traditional ajiro (bamboo weave) patterns.
The real treat? The museum-only café run by the sister store of Tokyo’s famous “Pan to Espresso to” bakery, with views overlooking the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Art and amazing coffee with a view—what more could you ask for?
📍 3-16 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
9. Raku Museum
This unique museum celebrates the 400-year history of Raku ware, which is deeply intertwined with the Japanese tea ceremony tradition. If you’re interested in ceramics and minimal aesthetics, this place will captivate you.
What makes it extra special is that you don’t just look at the pieces—the museum regularly hosts hands-on appreciation sessions where you can actually touch the works, plus tea ceremonies where you can drink tea from these historic vessels. It’s such an intimate way to connect with this ancient craft.
📍 Aburakoji-dori Ichijo-sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
10. The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK)
Nestled in Okazaki Park where tradition and modernity beautifully coexist, MoMAK is the go-to national museum for modern and contemporary art from Kyoto and western Japan. Their collection spans painting, prints, sculpture, photography, and crafts (including ceramics, textiles, and lacquerware), offering fresh perspectives on art with Kyoto as the starting point.
The building itself is a modernist masterpiece of glass and concrete that quietly stimulates your senses. It’s perfect not just for art enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in design, architecture, or photography—really anyone looking to sharpen their visual sensibilities.
📍 26-1 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🔗 Website | Instagram
Plan Your Art Walk
To make your exploration easier, I’ve curated a custom Google Map with all the locations featured in this article. You can view them grouped by category, so planning your own seamless Kyoto art itinerary becomes effortless. Just open the map on your phone, and you’ll have every hidden gem at your fingertips.
Whether you’re drawn to contemporary installations in traditional settings or want to dive deep into Japan’s craft heritage, Kyoto offers this incredible blend that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Take your time, wander the quiet streets between visits, and let yourself be surprised by what you discover along the way.