The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto stands as one of the city's most thoughtful cultural institutions, dedicated to modern and contemporary works in a city better known for its classical heritage. With over 3,700 visitor reviews and a strong 4.1-star rating, it consistently rewards those who seek it out: a welcome counterpoint to Kyoto's temple circuit.

When to go

The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, with Friday offering an extended evening until 8 pm: an ideal window to visit as the day cools and daytime crowds thin. Monday closures are worth noting before you plan. Autumn and spring bring the heaviest footfall to Kyoto broadly, so a weekday morning visit during those seasons will earn you the galleries largely to yourself.

“Not too big nor too small. Permanent collection is well balanced- lots of Chagall. Seems almost the entire staff is kind older ladies..which is cute. Always check what the special exhibit is as that's what takes up the majority of the floors.”— Samuel Laub, Google review