Kyoto International Manga Museum
Build a trip to Kyoto
About
Housed in a converted 1920s elementary school, this museum is a sanctuary for manga enthusiasts, boasting a collection of over 300,000 items. The sensory highlight is the 'Wall of Manga,' featuring 50,000 volumes that visitors can read while lounging on the outdoor grass lawn. Historically, it showcases the evolution of manga from Meiji-period magazines to modern global hits. Expert recommendation: Visit the workshop area to watch professional artists demonstrate their drawing techniques on weekends. Practical Pro Tip: While many books are in Japanese, the 'Manga Around the World' section offers extensive English titles. The building's nostalgic wooden corridors and old classrooms provide a unique, charming atmosphere that contrasts with the high-energy content of the exhibits.
Highlights
- Former elementary school site
- Massive manga collection
- Outdoor lawn reading
- Regular artist workshops
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
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Honke Owariya
Established in 1465, Honke Owariya began as a confectionery shop and later became a purveyor of soba noodles to the Imperial Palace. It is one of the oldest operating restaurants in Japan. Housed in a charming traditional wooden building, the atmosphere is thick with history, featuring creaking stairs and low tables on tatami mats. The sensory highlight is the earthy aroma of buckwheat and the delicate, clean flavor of their dashi, made from pure Kyoto well water. Expert recommendation: Try the 'Hourai Soba,' a five-tiered dish served with various toppings like shrimp tempura, shiitake mushrooms, and wasabi. Pro tip: They still sell traditional 'Soba-machi' sweets at the front counter, which make for a great historic souvenir. Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.
Inoda Coffee Honten
Inoda Coffee is a Kyoto institution, founded in 1940 and serving as the city's premier Western-style 'Kissaten' (coffee shop). The flagship store features a unique architectural blend of a traditional machiya facade and a spacious, elegant European-style interior. Historically, it was the social hub for Kyoto's intellectuals and artists. The sensory experience is defined by the aroma of their signature 'Arabia no Shinju' (Pearl of Arabia) dark roast coffee. Expert recommendation: Order their famous 'Kyoto Breakfast' set, which includes ham, eggs, salad, and a croissant. Pro tip: At Inoda, the default is to serve coffee with sugar and milk already added—if you prefer it black, make sure to specify when ordering. The courtyard garden is a peaceful spot to enjoy your morning brew away from the city noise.
Chao Chao Gyoza
Chao Chao is an award-winning gyoza specialist that has consistently ranked as one of the top spots for dumplings in Japan. The shop is small, lively, and filled with the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger. Their signature style is the 'hitokuchi' (one-bite) gyoza, served in connected rows with a perfectly thin, crispy 'wing' of lace-like batter. Historically, it helped popularize gyoza as a stand-alone gourmet experience rather than just a side dish. Expert recommendation: Try the classic pork gyoza, but don't miss unique variations like shrimp, ginger, or even chocolate gyoza for dessert. Practical Pro Tip: Expect a queue at the Sanjo branch as it is very popular with international travelers; arrive 15 minutes before opening to secure a seat at the counter where you can watch the high-speed frying action.
Ippudo Kyoto
Ippudo is a world-famous ramen chain that originated in Fukuoka, but their Kyoto branch offers a high-quality, consistent experience of their signature Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen. The interior is modern and stylish, often playing jazz music, which was the founder's original vision to change the 'dirty' image of ramen shops. The sensory highlight is the creamy, rich pork bone broth and the thin, firm noodles that can be customized to your preferred texture. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Shiromaru Classic' for the original flavor or the 'Akamaru Modern' for a more complex broth with garlic oil and spicy miso. Pro tip: Don't forget to order a side of their famous bite-sized gyoza. If you finish your noodles but still have broth, call out 'Kaedama' to get a second serving of noodles for a small fee.
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