Kyoto International Manga Museum

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a testament to the spirit and love of manga in Japan. Easily the largest collection of manga in the world, the museum boasts 300,000 materials of manga. The museum also includes bande dessinee (Franco-Belgian), manhua (works from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) and manhwa (Korean) alongside the Japanese collection. The museum also has Manga translated into Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Chinese for guests to check out.

Apart from all the manga, the museum has multiple displays on the history of Manga and manga artists in Japan. There is the Photo Spot in front of the main gallery on the second floor perfect for taking great souvenir photos, and the Manga Studio where you can watch a manga drawing demonstration. These manga drawings are done by professional manga artists, so be sure to take notes when watching if you plan on becoming a manga artist one day. The museum also features special exhibits in addition to the permanent attractions. This ranges from special guest speakers to art exhibitions. The museum always has something interesting going on, which is why you are advised to check out the schedule in advanced so you know what to expect!

Taken from the museum page:

Developed and opened through the deep understanding and active cooperation of local residents, as a joint project of Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, the Kyoto International Manga Museum was established on the site of the former Tatsuike Primary School.

The Museum was developed based on the concept of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The development plan was formulated jointly by the City and University, and the land and building were provided by the City.

Under supervision by the steering committee consisting of representatives from both the City and University, the University manages and operates the Museum, making full use of its research accomplishments and accumulated know-how. The Museum acts as a venue for the collection, preservation and exhibition of manga and animation materials, which have been accumulated through generous donation from both individuals and companies.

Collected materials will be used for systematic research and study. Through research and other manga-related activities, the Museum is expected to contribute to various areas, including lifelong learning, tourism promotion, human development and the creation of a new industry. The Museum is also expected to contribute to cultural activities of local communities in various ways. The Museum has been attracting a great deal of attention as a pioneering project that provides an example that could be followed in other regions.

To learn more, click here to the official site

The museum was established on the site of the former Tatsuike Primary School. Divided into three floors and a basement, you can find various manga lining the walls of each zone. The first floor has a cafe, gift shop, and a workshop zone for visitors to draw and sketch. The second floor is known as the Gallery Zone which houses the main exhibits and attractions. Visitors can browse through thousands of manga titles on this floor, or make their way up to the third floor which is where the research area is housed.

Children love the occasional kamishibai shows (Japanese picture shows) on the 2nd floor and the children's library on the 1st floor. There is also the Manga Expo and Wall of manga to enjoy in this museum.There is even more manga in the archives in the basement. The works available to the public are rotated periodically with what is kept in the archives so guests can always find something new when they visit.

Fans of Manga are bound to love this extensive, interactive Manga Museum in Kyoto. Come explore this wonderful establishment dedicated to manga on our Spring Anime Japan Tours or customize a private Japan tour package to include the museum while exploring the traditional city of Kyoto.