Important cultural property

A Heian Tobatsu Bishamonten at Shinno-in, founded by Prince Shinnyo, who set out for India and died en route, standing on the earth goddess in foreign-style armor.

A Heian-period six-armed Nyoirin Kannon at Nyoirinji on Mount Koya, a cheek resting on one hand in thought. Now held by the Reihokan and shown in rotating displays.

Dōjō-ji, Wakayama's oldest temple, holds two early-Heian wooden Bishamonten guardians, Important Cultural Properties since 1899; the larger is often loaned to Tokyo.

A Kamakura-period statue of Fudō Myōō on Mount Kōya, the 'United Fudō,' owned by Kongōbu-ji and made an Important Cultural Property in 1925, now at the Reihōkan.

This late Heian wooden statue of Fudō Myōō, the Sail Fudō, belongs to Kongō Sanmai-in, the Mt. Koya temple Hōjō Masako founded in 1211 to mourn Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Discover the Shihon Hakubyō Fudō Myōō Nidōji Bishamonten Zuzō, a Nationally Important Cultural Property of Japan housed at Entsū-ji Temple on Mount Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture. This rare esoteric Buddhist iconographic drawing on paper depicts Fudō Myōō with two attendant boys and the guardian deity Bishamonten, executed in the refined hakubyō (white-line) ink technique. Learn about its iconographic significance, the history of its closed training-temple home, and how to experience the world of Mount Kōya — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover the Important Cultural Property held at Jizo-in temple on sacred Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. This illustrated handscroll narrates the life of Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, with the supplementary first volume reflecting twelve centuries of devotion. We guide you through its significance, the Reihokan museum where treasures are exhibited, and the wonders of UNESCO-listed Mt. Koya.

A portrait sculpture of Hotto Kokushi, founder of Kokokuji in Yura, dated 1286. A realistic Kamakura chinso kept as a temple treasure, not on permanent view.

Two Heian-period figures at Kimiidera, second temple of the Saigoku route. Called Brahma and Indra but in bodhisattva form. On view in the Daikomyoden since 2023.

A Kamakura sea-crossing Monju group at Henmyoin on Mount Koya: the lion-mounted bodhisattva with four attendants. Held by the Reihokan, shown in rotating displays.

A Kamakura standing Jikokuten at Henjokoin on Mount Koya, guardian of the east, an armoured warrior on a demon. Held by the Reihokan, shown in rotating displays.

In 1987 a ruined eighth-century Kannon emerged from inside Dōjō-ji's secret statue. Faceless yet ancient, this wood-core figure may date to the temple's founding.

Dōjō-ji's North-Facing Kannon, shown once every 33 years, is a sheath carved in the Nanbokuchō era to enclose and protect an eighth-century image within.

Five seated Buddhas have sat inside Kōyasan's oldest building since 1223. Discover the Kamakura sculpture, the nun-shogun who raised the tower, and when it opens.

An unsigned 65.6 cm Kamakura katana attributed to the Ichimonji master Sukezane, named an Important Cultural Property for its bold clove-pattern temper line.

A Kamakura katana attributed to Rai-school smith Niji-Kunitoshi, unsigned after shortening, now listed by Japan among designated treasures that have gone missing.

Forged by Kunihiro in 1604 for a Kamigamo Shrine priest in Kyoto, this Important Cultural Property belonged to Ōyamazumi Shrine until it was stolen in 1942.

A straight, double-edged ken signed Kuninaga, the Kyoto smith famed for curved tachi like the Tsurumaru. Few signed works survive; this is his only known ken.

Brushed in 1424 by the Joseon-born painter Shūbun after he came to Japan, this ink-bamboo album is his only firmly attributed work and a key link to Korean painting.

A handscroll recording a poetry contest of 1091, named for Fujiwara no Shinshi, foster mother of Emperor Shirakawa. This Important Cultural Property is now lost.