Events Leiden conference 2026

Below are the events surrounding the 36th EAJRS conference in Leiden

Reception at the University Library (Witte Singel 27 Leiden)

Traditional dinner at Het Prentenkabinet

Address: Kloksteeg 25 (Google Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gE9TZnBkaaAZ7goD7)
Price: 70 euro
Includes: Amuse-bouche, 3-course dinner, 2 glasses of wine, beer, or soft drinks, coffee or tea with something sweet
Please select a starter
• Creamy mustard soup (vegetarian/vegan)
• Homemade farmer's pâté (meat)
• Smoked salmon tartare (fish)
Please select a main course
• Oven-baked eggplant with ratatouille (vegetarian/vegan)
• Confit duck leg (meat)
• Pan-fried catch of the day (fish)
Surprise dessert (no choice required)

1. Bibliotheca Thysiana (fully booked)

Address: Rapenburg 25 (Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nA4NvuNgHoq6GkcH7)
About the location: In 1653, the Bibliotheca Thysiana was founded by testament by the young Dutch legal expert Johannes Thysius (1622-1653). It is the only Dutch book collection from the seventeenth century housed in the original purpose-built library.
Further instructions: The location is only accessible as part of the guided tour. Please be at the venue at 16:00 sharp! Once the tour has started the doors will be closed.
Maximum number of participants: 15 (fully booked)
Price per person: 10 euro

2. Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens)

Address: Rapenburg 73 (Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EQS7TXuJuHKHvFHEA)
About the location: The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Hortus Botanical Gardens features many trees and plants brought back from Japan by Von Siebold. He is prominently featured in the Japanese Zen garden. The tour is hosted by Carla Teune, a Hortus veteran and authority on all Japanese plants and trees that grow there.
Further instructions: The Botanical gardens can be visited at your own leisure and pace, but the guided tour starts at the entrance of the Hortus at 16:00 sharp. Please be on time to purchase your ticket on the spot and wait at the entrance after the check-in point. Please do not join the tour if you did not sign up for it, as there is a strict maximum per tour guide.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Price for individual entrance ticket: 12.50 euro

3. Wereldmuseum (National Museum of Ethnology)

Address: Steenstraat 1B (Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zWZVL37aHW5ySLjS7)
About the location: Japan occupies a space among the permanent exhibit areas. A tour through the current exhibit will be given by Curator Dr. Daan Kok.
Further instructions: The Museum of Ethnology can be visited at your own leisure and pace, but the guided tour starts at the entrance of the Museum at 16:00 sharp. Please be on time and wait at the entrance. Please do not join the tour if you did not sign up for it, as there is a strict maximum of 20 people per tour.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Price for individual entrance ticket: free

4. Japanmuseum SieboldHuis (guided tour cancelled, individual visits possible)

Address: Rapenburg 19 (Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DGL9yBgafiaXALeAA)
About the location: The former residence of Philip Franz von Siebold, now turned into a Museum showcasing the Japan related collections from Biodiversity Centre Naturalis, the Wereldmuseum and Leiden University Libraries. The Museum also features items on loan in temporary exhibitions.
Further instructions: The Siebold museum can be visited at your own leisure and pace, but the guided tour starts at the entrance of the Museum at 16:00 sharp. Please be on time to purchase your ticket on the spot and wait at the entrance. Please do not join the tour if you did not sign up for it, as there is a strict maximum of 20 people per tour.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Price for individual entrance ticket: 12 euro

5. Leiden University Libraries – pop up Japanese Special Collections photography and maps (fully booked)

Address: Witte Singel 27 (Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3BxnBMdfXhDpSK2HA)
About the Location: Leiden University’s main library building. The curators of photography (Maartje van den Heuvel) and maps (Martijn Storms) will host a pop-up with items from the Japanese Special Collections.
Further instructions: It is not possible to visit the library at your own leisure. Please assemble at the entrance of the library and be there at 16:00 (group 1) or 17:00 (group 2) sharp.
Maximum number of participants:
• 16:00 group: max 20 (fully booked)
• 17:00 group: max 20 (fully booked)
Price for individual entrance ticket: free

Boat tour through Leiden (2 boats available!)

Departure time: 13:30
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Aalmarkt 4 (Google link:https://maps.app.goo.gl/3PNoTftLk6KfxmSb7)
Maximum number of participants: 50 per boat
Price per person: 10 euro

Walking tour through Leiden