Tale of Genji Museum, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

3.9 (1664)

Explore the world of Japan's classic novel at the Tale of Genji Museum in Uji, Kyoto. Immerse yourself in Heian period culture and literature.

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Tale of Genji Museum

Delve into the captivating world of Murasaki Shikibu's 'The Tale of Genji' at this Uji museum. Explore exhibits showcasing Heian period culture, costumes, and settings, bringing the story to life through models, videos, and interactive displays.

A brief summary to Tale of Genji Museum

Higashiuchi-45-26 Uji, Uji, Higashiuchi Uji, Kyoto, 611-0021, JP
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Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tale of Genji Museum.

Check the museum's website for information on special exhibitions and events before your visit.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and video presentations.
Combine your visit with a stroll around Uji, the setting for the final chapters of the Tale of Genji.

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Getting There

Train

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Uji Station. Rapid trains reach Uji in about 20 minutes, while local trains take approximately 30 minutes. The fare is ¥240. From Keihan Uji Station, the museum is an 8-minute walk. From JR Uji Station, it's a 15-minute walk.
Bus

Kyoto city buses do not directly serve the Tale of Genji Museum. However, you can take a bus to a nearby train station (e.g., Kyoto Station) and transfer to the JR Nara Line. The standard fare for a single bus ride within Kyoto City is ¥230.
Taxi

From Kyoto Station, a taxi to the Tale of Genji Museum takes approximately 20 minutes and costs between ¥6,500 and ¥8,500. Note that traffic conditions may affect the travel time and fare.
Car

If driving, parking is available at the museum for ¥100 per 30 minutes for regular-sized vehicles. There are 15 spaces available. Alternatively, there are other parking lots near Byodoin Temple, a short walk from the museum.

Discover more about Tale of Genji Museum

The Tale of Genji Museum in Uji, Kyoto, offers a fascinating exploration of Japan's oldest novel, 'The Tale of Genji'. The museum focuses on the last ten chapters of the novel, which are set in Uji, and introduces visitors to the world of Hikaru Genji and the 'Uji Juccho'. Opened in 1998, the museum uses models, videos, and other exhibits to recreate scenes from the Heian period, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the story's elegant world. The Heian Room showcases the culture of the time, including aristocratic costumes like the twelve-layered juni-hitoe kimono, furnishings, and a scale model of Genji's Rokujo-In residence. A life-size model of an ox-drawn carriage (gissha) is also on display.In the Uji Room, the atmosphere shifts to reflect the somber tone of the Uji chapters, with recreations of famous scenes using life-size models and atmospheric projections. The museum also features a video exhibition room, screening original short films that delve into the 'Uji Chapters'. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's library, which houses over 4,500 books related to 'The Tale of Genji'. Special exhibitions are held approximately five times a year, exploring different aspects of the novel and the Heian period.