National Treasures of Kyoto

Explore the Ishinpō (Volumes 1, 5, 7, 9 & 10 fragments) at Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto — Japan's oldest medical encyclopedia compiled in 984 CE. Learn about this National Treasure's history, significance, and how to see it at the UNESCO World Heritage temple.

The Kizaemon bowl at Kohoan, Daitokuji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1951, the representative great Ido tea bowl with fine kairagi glaze.

Discover the National Treasure Uta-awase (Volume 6, Ten-Volume Edition) at Kyoto's Yōmei Bunko — Japan's oldest anthology of poetry contest records, planned by regent Fujiwara no Yorimichi. This Heian-period masterpiece features exquisite kana calligraphy and preserves 170 years of courtly poetry traditions. Learn about its cultural significance, how to visit, and nearby heritage sites.

A Tang-dynasty stole of Toji, Kyoto, said to have come to Kukai from his teacher Huiguo, a National Treasure since 1953.

The Ōte-kagami at Kyoto's Yōmei Bunko gathers 307 calligraphy fragments across two oversized albums, from a 20-line Ōjōmu sutra leaf to a hand by Emperor Saga.

Discover the Omuro Sōshōki, a National Treasure housed at UNESCO World Heritage Site Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto. This six-scroll Kamakura-period manuscript chronicles the Buddhist ceremonies and achievements of the imperial abbots who led one of Japan's most prestigious monzeki temples.

A Heian maki-e box at Toji, Kyoto, that held the kesa said to have come from Kukai, a National Treasure since 1953, decorated with waves, fish and birds.

Discover the Kagura Wagon Hifu, a National Treasure scroll from the Heian period preserving Japan's oldest sacred kagura songs with wagon zither notation, held at the Yomei Bunko in Kyoto.

Emperor Kameyama's own draft prayer of 1299 for the founding of Nanzenji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1953.

Discover Kanjō Rekimei, a National Treasure handwritten by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), one of Japan's greatest calligraphers. This rare 9th-century document at Jingo-ji Temple records the historic first esoteric Buddhist initiation ceremonies in Japan, with Saichō's name at the top.

The National Treasure Kanmuryōjukyō Chū, preserved at Nishi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto, is a Kamakura-period handscroll in which Shinran, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, copied the Contemplation Sutra and filled every margin with meticulous annotations from commentaries by the Chinese master Shan-tao. Discovered in 1943, this rare autograph manuscript offers an extraordinary glimpse into the young founder's rigorous scriptural study and spiritual development.

Discover the National Treasure bokuseki calligraphy by Chinese Chan master Xutang Zhiyu, preserved at Daitoku-ji temple in Kyoto. Learn about its Zen heritage, tea ceremony significance, and how to view this masterpiece.

The only autograph copy of Shinran's Kyogyoshinsho, handed down at Bando Hoonji and now at Higashi Honganji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1952.

A Tang manuscript of the Chinese dictionary Yupian at Kozanji, Kyoto, a National Treasure since 1952, lost in China and completed by the second half at Ishiyamadera.

Eleven signed waka sheets from a 1200 poetry session on the Kumano road, led by retired emperor Go-Toba, now one National Treasure scroll at Nishi Hongan-ji, Kyoto.

Three poem sheets of 1201 written by Emperor Go-Toba, Fujiwara no Ietaka and Jakuren at gatherings on the road to Kumano; a National Treasure at Kyoto's Yomei Bunko.

Discover the National Treasure bokuseki by Yuan-dynasty Zen master Gulin Qingmao, bestowed upon his Japanese disciple Getsurin Dōkō in 1327. Now deposited at Kyoto National Museum, this masterpiece of Zen calligraphy embodies centuries of cross-cultural spiritual exchange between China and Japan.

A two-scroll Heian manuscript glossing the eighty-fascicle Flower Garland Sutra, giving its hard words a pronunciation and meaning. A National Treasure since 1952.

A Tang seven-panel kesa of Toji, Kyoto, said to have come to Kukai from Huiguo, a National Treasure since 1953, woven with layered clouds in tsuzure-ori.

A National Treasure of Shōjōke-in, Kyoto: a Southern Song Amida triad in three signed scrolls by the Ningbo painter Fuetsu, now held at the Kyoto National Museum.