National Treasures of Kyoto

At Kōryū-ji in Kyoto sits the Crowned Maitreya, a red-pine bodhisattva ranked as Japan's first National Treasure in sculpture and famed for its faint archaic smile.

Beside Koryu-ji's celebrated National Treasure No.1 sits a quieter second Maitreya, an Asuka camphor figure whose sorrowful face earns the name Weeping Maitreya.

Daigo-ji's National Treasure Yakushi triad: a 177cm tenth-century Medicine Buddha with a gourd jar and seven-Buddha halo, now displayed at the Reihōkan museum.

Carved in 33 days in 1103 for a prince-monk of Ninna-ji, this 11-cm sandalwood Yakushi is the sole surviving work of Ensei and Choen, founders of the Enpa school.

At Jingo-ji in Takao, Kyoto, this National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai stands about 170.6 cm, carved from a single block of kaya wood, with a stern early-Heian face.

At Kyoto's Senbon Shakado stand six unpainted wooden Kannon carved in 1224 by Jokei, Japan's only complete Kamakura set of six and now National Treasures.

Discover the National Treasure "Mongaku's Forty-Five Article Oath," a 1185 scroll at Jingo-ji Temple in Kyoto. Written by the eminent courtier Fujiwara no Tadachika and bearing Emperor Go-Shirakawa's personal seal, this document reveals the passionate vision of the warrior-monk Mongaku for restoring one of Japan's most historic temples.

The National Treasure 'Rigen Daishi Handwritten Disposition' preserved at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto is an official document written in 907 CE by the temple's founder, the monk Shōbō (Rigen Daishi). Recording the transfer of temple management to a senior disciple in his final years, this single handscroll is an exceptionally rare example of early Heian-period calligraphy and a vital primary source for the history of Japanese Buddhism. It is periodically displayed at Daigo-ji's Reihōkan Museum and in special exhibitions at major museums across Japan.

Discover the Rimōhitsu Hōken Hyō, a National Treasure document attributed to Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto. This 9th-century calligraphy masterpiece records the presentation of tanuki-hair brushes to Emperor Saga, revealing the origins of Japanese brush-making culture.

Discover the Ruijū Utaawase, a National Treasure anthology of over 200 Heian-period poetry competitions preserved at Yōmei Bunko in Kyoto. Explore its literary significance, exquisite calligraphy, and the aristocratic world of waka poetry contests.

Discover Ruijū Koshū, a National Treasure at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. This unique Heian-period manuscript is the sole surviving copy of the first thematic reorganization of Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Man'yōshū.

The National Treasure Wakan-shō Gekan (Saisen), held at the Yōmei Bunko in Kyoto, is a surviving portion of the Wakan Rōeishū anthology transcribed on brilliantly decorated paper (saisen) with calligraphy attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari, one of Heian Japan's Three Great Calligraphers. Discover the exquisite fusion of poetry, brushwork, and decorative paper arts from a thousand years ago.

Discover the E Inga-kyō, a National Treasure illustrated handscroll from 8th-century Japan. Owned by Jōbon Rendai-ji Temple and deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, this rare Nara period painting depicts the life of Shakyamuni Buddha with vivid colors and elegant calligraphy.

At Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu, eight National Treasure scrolls of about 1219 trace Sugawara no Michizane from official to vengeful thunder god to the deity Tenjin.

Designated a National Treasure, the Wind God and Thunder God Screens by Tawaraya Sōtatsu is the iconic masterpiece of the Rinpa school, painted in early 17th-century Kyoto. Owned by Kennin-ji Temple and deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, this pair of gold-leafed folding screens captivates with its dynamic composition, pioneering tarashikomi technique, and unexpectedly humorous depiction of two nature deities. A stunning high-resolution facsimile is permanently displayed at Kennin-ji, located in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district.

Discover the National Treasure wall painting "Pine Trees and Flowers on Gold Ground" by Hasegawa Tohaku at Chishaku-in temple in Kyoto. Learn about its Momoyama-era splendor, the dramatic story of the Hasegawa school, and how to visit this masterpiece.

Discover the National Treasure wall paintings "Cherry Blossoms and Maple Trees" (Ōfū-zu) by Hasegawa Tōhaku and his son Kyūzō at Chishaku-in Temple in Kyoto. Learn about their Momoyama-period gold-leaf splendor, the moving father-son story, and how to visit the newly opened Treasure Hall.

The National Treasure 'Pine and Plum Blossoms on Gold Paper' at Chishaku-in Temple in Kyoto is a masterpiece of Momoyama-period barrier painting by the Hasegawa Tohaku school. Originally created for Shōun-ji Temple, commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to memorialize his young son, these four resplendent fusuma panels feature pine and plum motifs on luminous gold leaf. Surviving over 400 years of fires and upheaval, they can be viewed at the temple's Treasure Hall, opened in 2023.

Discover the National Treasure painting "Pine Tree with Sunset Hibiscus and Chrysanthemums" by Momoyama master Hasegawa Tōhaku at Chishaku-in Temple, Kyoto. Explore its rich history, hidden political allegory, and visitor guide.

Discover the Kagami no Miei, a National Treasure ink portrait of Shinran Shonin at Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. Explore the art of Kamakura-period nise-e portraiture, learn about Shinran's life, and plan your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.