About Culture & Arts in Kyoto City
Kyoto, a former capital of Japan with over 1,000 years of history, is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. It is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is renowned worldwide for the delicate craftsmanship of Nishijin weaving. The Gion Festival, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, symbolizes Kyoto’s rich cultural identity.
Global companies such as Nintendo and Kyocera are based here, representing the coexistence of tradition and innovation. Influential innovators like Steve Jobs, Andy Warhol, Ivan Zhao, and John Hanke have drawn inspiration from Kyoto’s culture and spirit.
Even today, Kyoto City is home to a diverse community of artists who actively engage in creative activities every day, giving rise to a wide variety of cultural and artistic projects. Kyoto continues to shine as a cultural and artistic treasure, sharing the essence of Japan with the world.
Kyoto Art Donation's System
Kyoto Art Donation is a system that connects people and delivers funds to where they are needed to support arts and culture in Kyoto. In order to deliver as much support as possible, we collect support from society on behalf of artists and people working and participating in such activities.
Examples of how donations are used
We will use your donations for the following projects:
- Promotion of traditional culture including "Noh" theater, "Kyogen", tea ceremony, flower arrangement, etc.
- Contemporary art exhibitions, music parformances, international performing arts events, media arts, animation, movies, etc.
Please read before donating
- Donations are accepted in Japanese yen.
- Donations to the online donation portal site, "Kyoto Art Donation," are processed using the payment system provided by Congrant Inc.
- Personal information entered at the time of application is considered to have been consented for provision in accordance with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information upon completion of payment. The acquired personal information will be used solely within the scope and purpose of the "Kyoto Art Donation" project.
- The confirmation email sent automatically upon completion of payment will be in Japanese. We appreciate your understanding. If you need a receipt email in English, please contact us at this email address <bunka-art@city.kyoto.lg.jp>.
- For donations of 10,000 yen or more, if desired, your name will be published on Kyoto City’s website and in promotional materials such as "Kyoto Art Donation."
- Additionally, messages sent as “support comments” upon completion of your donation may be posted on Kyoto City’s website, "Kyoto Art Donation," and social media platforms.
A message from the Mayor
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone visiting our portal site and to all who have been continuously supporting us .
As a person who was born and raised in Kyoto and worked in Tokyo for many years, I find Kyoto’s overwhelming charm in its cultural richness.
From traditional to contemporary arts, Kyoto is home where remarkably diverse culture and arts are thriving. Inspired by the multi-layered cultural heritage cultivated for over 1,200 years of history, many artists devote themselves to their creative pursuits here every day.
It was with the desire to support these artists as a whole society that we launched “Kyoto Art Donation.” The warm support not only from Japan but also from around the world shall bring courage and hope to those challenging in the world of art.
Culture and the arts are closely connected to hope and vitality for living tomorrow. In fact, I am one of those who have been encouraged and inspired by them throughout life.
With the continued support of all who value culture, we will cherish the traditions and spirit that have been passed down in Kyoto. And furthermore, we shall work on to realize the society, where everyone has a place to live in and opportunities to shine and where all people support one another and are active and lively while exerting their individuality.
We highly appreciate your continued support and cooperation.
