Kyoto City Archaeological Museum, Archaeological museum in Nishijin district, Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto City Archaeological Museum houses a permanent collection of about 1,000 archaeological objects spanning multiple periods of Japanese history. The displays feature finds from the Tumulus period through the Heian and Momoyama eras, showing how the region developed over time.
The building was originally erected in 1914 as the Nishijin Textile Museum and later received recognition as an Important Kyoto Cultural Property. It was transformed into an archaeological museum in 1979 and has preserved local discoveries ever since.
The halls display artifacts from China and Korea alongside objects from the Heian Imperial Palace, many designated as Important Cultural Properties. You can observe how these pieces reflect the artistic connections between East Asia and Japan through the centuries.
Admission is free and the museum opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing for a relaxed visit in the morning or afternoon. There is a hands-on section where you can examine ancient pottery and temple tiles to better understand the craftsmanship of the period.
The museum regularly rotates special exhibitions featuring recent archaeological discoveries from the region. These shows are often curated in partnership with local universities, giving visitors insight into ongoing research and new finds.
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