Great for both adults and kids! You can play and learn together, test your kanji skills, and even try your hand at making rubbings. It's educational but also a lot of fun!
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Japan Kanji Museum & Library
A kanji-lovers museum for learning and fun.
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Japan's first museum dedicated to the fascinating world of kanji, the Chinese characters that evolved into a unique part of Japanese culture.
Step inside to behold the upfront-and-center, large display of the annual "Kanji of the Year," famously announced at Kiyomizudera Temple each December. This stands among other impressive exhibits, including the 50,000 Kanji Tower as it reaches up to the second floor, and the Kanji Historical Scroll, a 30-meter-long visual journey through kanji’s development. There are even interactive guides you can pickup to collect kanji-based stamps that depict the names and countries found in classical Manyogana characters.
Step up to the second floor for over twenty interactive exhibits, complete with peculiar puzzles made to complete four-character idioms (yojijukugo) and quizzes on fish kanji commonly seen at sushi restaurants. A giant tea cup displaying kanji with fish radicals is an especially popular photo spot. In a final stroke, the museum even keeps a library with around 5,000 books on Japanese language and kanji.
There’s a regular rotation of limited-time, exclusive exhibits so be sure to check before planning a visit.
Highlights
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Japan’s first museum dedicated entirely to learning about kanji characters.
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Features impressive exhibits, including a towering display of 50,000 kanji and a visually engaging historical scroll.
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Complete with interactive quizzes and games for enjoyable, hands-on kanji learning experiences.
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Photo spot awaits at the giant tea cup covered with kanji characters.
Photos
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A giant tea cup filled with kanji characters, perfect for fun photo opportunities.
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The 50,000 Kanji Tower, an impressive display showcasing thousands of characters.
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Collect stamps representing country names in kanji characters.
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Numerous interactive, hands-on learning activities for engaging with kanji through physical experiences.
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Conveniently located in Kyoto’s Gion district, ideal for a sightseeing break.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
Yes, a brief facility introduction pamphlet is available (English). Visitors also receive interactive experience sheets upon entry, available in English, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean. Additionally, audio guides are available for rental at 500yen each (English, Chinese, Korean). While exhibit explanations are in Japanese only, international visitors often use Google Lens to translate the texts.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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KYOTO-wifi is available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
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Yes, coin lockers are available (fee required, non-refundable).
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Is re-entry possible?
A
Same-day re-entry is permitted until 4:30pm.
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Are there any smoking areas?
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Not available.
Reviews
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 漢字ミュージアム
- Postal Code
- 605-0074
- Address
- 551 Gionmachiminamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- Telephone
- 075-757-8686
- Closed
- Mondays(If it falls on a holiday, closed on the following weekday)
- Business Hours
- 9:30am - 5:00pm(Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Adults 800yen, University and high school students 500yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300yen
- Access
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(1)About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
(2)About 8 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto- Kawaramachi Station.
(3)About 10 minutes walk from Subway Higashiyama Station. - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)