With kids
Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum fills a 1920s-era former elementary school (Tatsuike Elementary) in central Kyoto. Its 'Wall of Manga' holds about 50,000 volumes on 200 m of shelving that anyone can pull down and read, indoors or on the lawn outside.
For families with little ones, the Children's Library on the first floor stocks old and new picture books and educational manga, and a kamishibai (paper-theatre storytelling) show runs in a little theatre upstairs. Most manga are in Japanese, but the 'Manga Expo' shelf has translated editions and comics from around the world.
What to see and do
A first-floor room of picture books and learning manga that parents and children can enjoy together; on weekends and busy times it's prioritised for kids of elementary age and under.
Traditional paper-theatre storytelling at 11:30 and 14:00 on open days (about 30 minutes, in Japanese, but visual and fun for all ages).
About 50,000 volumes, shelved by audience — boys' manga on 1F, girls' on 2F, adult on 3F — free to read during your visit.
Translated editions and comics from many countries, so English readers can join in too.
Strollers and babies
No stroller rental. Diaper-changing bed in the 1F multipurpose toilet; a private 'mamaro' baby-care pod for nursing, changing and baby food on 3F. Elevator and ramps available.
Good to know
- Eating and drinking aren't allowed inside, but you can picnic on the grounds (lidded drinks only) or use the on-site café.
- No parking; it's right on the subway, 3 stops (about 6 minutes) from Kyoto Station on the Karasuma Line.