Interested in learning about art, science, history, and other topics? Here are some cool museums in Kansai you should visit!

Osaka Science Museum 

The Osaka Science Museum’s main target audience is students, but anyone can learn something new at this awesome museum. There are many interactive activities available for visitors to try, so it’s a great experience for hands-on learning. The museum is split into four floors. The first floor is dedicated to electricity and energy, and the second floor is a space called “Enjoy Science!” and is where a large number of the interactive activities are housed. There is also a cafe and gift shop on the first floor. The third floor is known as the “Familiar Chemistry” floor, and you can learn about minerals, plastics, medicines, and more there. Science shows are regularly held on the third floor. The fourth floor is titled “The Universe and Discovery” and houses exhibits about space exploration, as well as the scientific method and history of science. There is also a planetarium in the basement. 

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and is open every day except Mondays. Admission is 400 yen for the museum and 600 yen for the planetarium. The closest train station to the museum is Watanabebashi Station. The National Museum of Art, Osaka is located nearby, if you’d also like to visit an art museum on the same day. 

Website

Please be sure to check the official museum website to look at the latest opening hours and admission fee information (in Japanese): https://www.sci-museum.jp/

Kyoto International Manga Museum 

This museum is a must-visit for manga lovers! It has a very large collection of manga, including both Japanese and foreign titles. There are about 300,000 manga and manga-related materials housed in the museum. You can view old manga, such as 18th and 19th-century publications, that are somewhat rare outside of the museum. Since the museum also functions as a library, you are allowed to spend time reading manga. In addition, special exhibits and events are regularly held. There is also a cafe and museum store. 

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a two-minute walk away from the Karasuma-Oike Subway Station. It is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every day except Wednesday.  Admission is 720 yen. 

Website

Check Kyoto International Manga Museum latest information on opening hours and admission fees on their official website (in English): https://www.kyotomm.jp/en/

Nara National Museum 

For those interested in learning about Buddhism, the Nara National Museum is the place to go. The museum is filled with Japanese Buddhist artwork, including sculptures, ceramics, and scrolls. There are also other ceremonial items and religious texts on display. The Hassoan Teahouse, which was designated one of the great teahouses of Nara, can be found in the museum’s garden. If you visit, make sure not to miss the famous Hell Scroll, which contains information about the lesser hells in the Buddhist religion. Finally, don’t ignore the museum building, which is a spectacular architectural sight itself. 

The Nara National  Museum is a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. You can also access it by bus from Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. It is open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is 520 yen. 

Website

For the latest information on opening hours and admission fee, please check the museum’s official website (in English): https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/

Glico Museum 

For anyone who loves snacks, the Glico Museum is an awesome place to visit. It was created in celebration of the Ezaki Glico Company’s 50th anniversary. You can learn about the company’s history and products at the museum. You’ll also be able to see Glico toys that have been produced throughout history. Finally, there are exhibitions dedicated to telling the founder Riichi Ezaki’s life story. 

The Glico Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Saturdays, except for the first and third Saturdays of every month, during which it is open. Admission is free. It is located in Osaka and accessible from Tsukamoto Station. If you’d prefer to view the exhibits from home, you can take a VR tour of them here. 

Website

For more information, please check the official Glico Museum’s website (in Japanese): https://www.glico.com/jp/enjoy/experience/ezakikinenkan/

Miho Museum 

The Miho Museum is an art Museum in Koka, Shiga Prefecture. It was built by the famous architect I.M. Pei. On display are pieces of rare and ancient artwork. Like the Nara National Museum, the Miho Museum’s building is also a spectacular sight. The museum is nestled in the mountains, which means you can enjoy the natural beauty Koka has to offer when you visit. 

The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and sometimes closes for long periods in between exhibitions. At this moment, you need to make reservations when you decide to visit the museum. Admission is 1,300 yen. You can get to the museum by taking the Teisan bus #150 from Ishiyama Station. 

Website

Please check the official museum website to get the latest information about opening hours, admission fees, and how to make a reservation for your visit (in English): https://www.miho.jp/en/