Kyoto Architecture Center in a Tadao Ando building, Sanjo: 7–8 Nov is the architecture festival's last weekend
This week's news · Checked 2026-11-02
What happened. Kyoto Architecture Center has opened on the street level of TIME'S, the Tadao Ando building in Sanjo, Kyoto. Its operator, Maimai LLC, started taking tour bookings on 5 Aug 2026 and opened the gallery and library on 2 Sept 2026. Hours are 10:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays (Maimai press release, 3 Aug 2026). Casa BRUTUS magazine reported the opening on 31 Oct 2026.
The center is also the pass counter and special exhibition venue of the Kyoto Modern Architecture Festival 2026 (run by the festival committee and Kyoto City):
| Item | Details (official festival site, checked 2 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|
| Special exhibition + library at TIME'S | 2 Sept – 8 Nov, 10:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays. ¥1,000, free with any festival pass |
| Days buildings open with the pass | 31 Oct – 1 Nov (over) and 7–8 Nov (Sat–Sun). 61 buildings |
| "Kouki" pass (7–8 Nov) | ¥3,000 (tax included). No single-day pass |
| Children | Each guardian can bring one child of junior high age or younger for free. A second child needs a U29 pass (¥2,000) |
| Not included in the pass | Guided tour fees, paid events, online numbered tickets, transport |
| Nearest stations | Keihan "Sanjo", Tozai subway "Kyoto-shiyakusho-mae" |
What it means for you.
- If you're in Kyoto on 7–8 Nov: two adults + two kids (junior high age or younger) = 2 passes × ¥3,000 = ¥6,000, kids free. Buy on teket (e-pass) or at the TIME'S counter. Passes are non-refundable. Each building has its own days and hours, so check the list before heading out.
- English-guided tour of TIME'S: Japan Architourism Center runs a 45-minute tour with an English-speaking guide, up to 10 people, suitable for ages 10 and up, including areas that are normally closed. Kids of junior high age or younger join free with a paying adult. The price isn't shown on that page; check when booking.
- After 8 Nov: the center stays open, but the exhibition fee after 8 Nov isn't on the official site.
- Prayer and food around Kawaramachi: the free prayer space Yumeyakata Oike Bettei (Nakagyo-ku, 10:00–19:00) and HALAL RAMEN JAPAN Kyoto in Kiyamachi (halal-certified according to Halal Gourmet Japan) are in the Kyoto halal list. Halal status can change; confirm at the shop.
- Staying near Kawaramachi that weekend: Trip.com: Kyoto hotels 6–8 Nov, 2 adults + 2 kids (autumn-leaves season; prices depend on the day you check).
Affiliate links may be used; your price doesn't change. Sources: Kyoto Modern Architecture Festival, "Special exhibition & pop-up shop, Kyoto Architecture Center (TIME'S)" (Japanese), kyoto.kenchikusai.jp; Kyoto Modern Architecture Festival, passes (Japanese), kyoto.kenchikusai.jp; Maimai LLC, press release 3 Aug 2026 (Japanese), prtimes.jp; Kyoto Architecture Center (Japanese), archicenter.jp; Japan Architourism Center, English TIME'S tour (English), architourism.jp; Casa BRUTUS, 31 Oct 2026 (Japanese), casabrutus.com. Checked 2 Nov 2026.