Kyoto National Museum

The National Museum is worth a visit just to see the building. Constructed in the 1890s, this neo-classical gem by Tokuma Katayama has been designated an Important Cultural Property. It’s currently closed, but the neighbouring Heisei Chishinkan Hall, a modernist structure by Yoshio Taniguchi, now functions as a special exhibition hall that stages regular, fascinating shows of Chinese and Japanese art and artefacts. It also houses the museum’s permanent collection.