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 now functions as the special exhibition hall, which stages regular, fascinating shows of Chinese and Japanese art and artefacts. The museum’s permanent collection, which is housed in a newer and less photogenic Collection Hall, is closed until 2013 as the wing undergoes renovations.