Kanazawa-bunko Museum, Tokyo Travel Guide

4.2 (178)

Explore medieval Japanese history and art at the Kanazawa-bunko Museum, a cultural treasure in Yokohama.

Home
Travel Guides
Japan
Tokyo
Kanazawa-bunko Museum

The Kanazawa-bunko Museum in Yokohama is a repository of Japanese and Chinese art and historical documents, dating back to the Kamakura period. Founded in 1275 as a private samurai library, it stands as one of Japan's most significant medieval learning centers, offering a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual life of the era.

A brief summary to Kanazawa-bunko Museum

142 Kanazawacho, Yokohama, Kanazawacho, Kanazawa Ward, Kanagawa, 236-0015, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kanazawa-bunko Museum.

Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events to enhance your visit.
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Shōmyōji Temple for a deeper cultural experience.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's collection and grounds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Tokyo Tower-Camera Stand

Momiji Waterfall

Ninja Trick House In Tokyo

Yoyogi Park Clock Tower

Islamic Alley

Explore Kanazawa-bunko Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kanazawa-bunko Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yokohama Station, take the Keikyu Main Line (Rapid Express) to Kanazawa-Bunko Station. The journey takes approximately 16 minutes. From the East exit of Kanazawa-Bunko Station, it's a 12-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Kanazawa Seaside Line to Uminokoen-Minamiguchi Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the museum. The Keikyu Line fare from Yokohama Station to Kanazawa-Bunko Station is around ¥320. The Kanazawa Seaside Line fare will be additional.
Walking

From Kanazawa-Bunko Station East exit, follow the signs towards Shōmyōji Temple. The walk is approximately 12 minutes. The route is mostly flat and well-paved, passing through a residential area. There are no tolls or specific access fees for walking to the museum.
Taxi

From Kanazawa-Bunko Station, a taxi to the museum takes approximately 5 minutes. The estimated fare for this short trip is around ¥700-¥900, depending on traffic conditions.

Discover more about Kanazawa-bunko Museum

Kanazawa-bunko Museum, formally titled the Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum, transports visitors back to medieval Japan through its extensive collection of art and historical documents. Originally established in 1275 by Hōjō Sanetoki, a member of the powerful Hōjō clan, as a private library, it quickly became one of the two most important centers of learning in the country, rivaled only by Ashikaga Gakkō.Today, the museum showcases a diverse array of cultural treasures, including Kamakura portraits, calligraphy, Chinese and Japanese classics, Buddhist sutras, and Zen writings. Among its notable holdings are an eleven-headed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) and a map of Japan, all designated as Important Cultural Properties. The museum hosts six exhibitions annually, each offering a unique perspective on history and culture through Buddhist statues, paintings, and medieval artifacts.The current museum building, constructed in 1990, is located within the grounds of Shōmyōji Temple. Visitors can explore the temple and even walk through a tunnel connecting it to the museum. The Kanazawa-bunko's collection suffered losses over time, but many original documents remain. The Kanagawa Prefectural Government administers the museum, ensuring the preservation of these valuable cultural assets for future generations.