National Treasures of Kyoto

The gilt bronze epitaph of Ono no Emishi, son of the Sui envoy Ono no Imoko, found in 1613 and now at the Kyoto National Museum; a National Treasure since 1961.

The gilt bronze sutra case Fujiwara no Michinaga buried on Mount Kinpu in 1007, the oldest in Japan, kept at the Kyoto National Museum; a National Treasure since 1952.

Discover the National Treasure sutra boxes and artifacts from the Kinpusen Sutra Mounds at the Kyoto National Museum, testifying to the deep faith and artistic mastery of Heian-period aristocrats led by Fujiwara no Michinaga.

The Yamashina Nishinoyama Kofun Excavated Artifacts, designated a National Treasure in 1953 and housed at the Kyoto University Museum, are an extraordinary collection of early Heian period grave goods. Featuring a gold-mounted great sword, a gold-and-silver twin-phoenix mirror, and stone belt ornaments befitting the highest court nobility, these artifacts are believed to have come from the tomb of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro — the legendary Sei-i Taishogun who pacified northern Japan and founded Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

A late work by Yosa Buson in a private collection, a National Treasure since 2009, contrasting a dark night sky with snow-white houses and mountains.

The early Kamakura worship hall of Ujigami Shrine in Uji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1952, residential in style and the oldest surviving worship hall.

The late Heian main hall of Ujigami Shrine in Uji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1952, three inner shrines under one roof and the oldest surviving shrine building.

The five-storied pagoda of Kaijusenji in Kizugawa, Kyoto, completed in 1214 and a National Treasure since 1952, with unique bracketing and a first-storey pent roof.

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wake Ikazuchi Jinja), founded in 677 CE in northern Kyoto, is one of the city's most ancient sanctuaries. Home to two National Treasure halls and 41 Important Cultural Properties, its entire precinct is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its iconic nagare-zukuri architecture, mystical sand cones, and the legendary Aoi Matsuri — over a millennium of living spiritual heritage.

Guest hall of 1605 at Kanchiin, a sub-temple of Toji in Kyoto: a National Treasure bridging medieval houses and the shoin style, with paintings by Musashi.

At 54.8 meters, Tō-ji's fifth pagoda, finished in 1644, is Japan's tallest wooden tower. Its wayō design, painted first story and 2026 opening dates explained.

Tō-ji's main hall, rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1603, blends three architectural styles and houses Kōshō's Yakushi triad. History, design and how to visit.

Tō-ji's Founder's Hall, said to be Kūkai's home, was rebuilt in 1380 with a cypress-bark roof. Its house-like design, hidden Fudō and free daily 6 a.m. rite.

Tō-ji's only National Treasure gate, an early Kamakura eight-legged gate on the west side, keeps archaic rafters, bargeboards and gable framing. Its story.

The early Kamakura octagonal hall of the Keikyuin at Koryuji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1953, a light and elegant round hall of about 1251.

The Karamon gate of Sanboin at Daigoji, Kyoto, built in 1599 and a National Treasure since 1954, a bold Momoyama gate with great carved crests.

The seven halls of Sanboin at Daigoji, Kyoto, Important Cultural Properties since 1897, including the National Treasure Omote Shoin, the finest Momoyama shoin.

The personal chapel of Ashikaga Yoshimasa at Ginkakuji, Kyoto, built in 1486 and a National Treasure since 1951, with the four-and-a-half-mat Dojinsai study.

The Heian three-storied pagoda of Joruriji in Kizugawa, Kyoto, moved from Kyoto in 1178 and a National Treasure since 1952.

The late Heian main hall of Joruriji in Kizugawa, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1952 and the only surviving hall built to house nine Amidas.