Japan is undoubtedly the mecca for manga enthusiasts, even the neighborhood convenience stores prove likewise. So, at some point in our adventures in Kyoto, geared with ample manga respect, hubby and I decided to digress from shrines and temples just a bit and feast at Kyoto International Manga Museum for a little change.
The museum is housed in a former Tatsuike Primary School that has undergone some remodeling. The building’s facade is nothing fancy. Any manga fan however, would drool at the museum’s 300,000 collection items, including items from Edo period, all well preserved in three large galleries and about four small spaces which are converted classrooms of different themes. Unfortunately, as a relatively young museum which opened in 2006 and still growing, books were all Japanese and hardly none for non-Kanji readers.
To protect the copyright of each artworks, taking photos are prohibited and cameras are only allowed in some designated areas so keep a watchful eye for oppurtunities.
I have nevertheless a little secret to share. There is one place at the museum where you can take photos of original artworks without restrictions and that is at the cafe located near the building’s entrance. It has walls of illustrations and comic icons complete with the artist’s signature, it even has Lupin III with its creator Monkey Punch’s autograph. When it is your turn to visit Kyoto International Manga Museum, there is no need to fret, you are now armed with this little secret. Yes, you are welcome to share.
For a street view of Kyoto International Manga Museum, see below:
i am uniquely and wonderfully made. 