Himeji Castle I, II, III and IV Piers
Explore the four magnificent watchtowers (I, Ro, Ha, Ni) of Himeji Castle, Japan's UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about their 400-year history, unique defensive features, and architectural brilliance that survived wars and earthquakes.
Colored Silk Portrait of Prince Shotoku and High Priest
Explore the magnificent 11th-century silk portraits of Prince Shotoku and nine Tendai Buddhist masters at Ichijoji Temple in Hyogo. These National Treasures showcase the transmission of Buddhism from India to Japan with exquisite Heian-period artistry.
Clay Figurine / Excavated from the Chohonino Ruins in
Discover Kakku, Hokkaido's first National Treasure - a magnificent hollow clay figurine from the Late Jomon period. Learn about its dramatic discovery, unique artistry, and how to visit this 41.5cm masterpiece at Hakodate Jomon Culture Center near UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Excavated Items from the Shirataki Ruins in Hokkaido
Experience 30,000 years of human history at Engaru's Shirataki Sites, home to Japan's first Paleolithic National Treasure. Explore the world's largest obsidian source, see ancient stone tools, and try hands-on artifact making at this unique UNESCO Geopark in Hokkaido.
Kongobu-Ji Temple Fudo Hall
Experience the 14th-century Fudōdō at Mount Koya, a National Treasure uniquely blending Heian aristocratic architecture with Buddhist sacred space. Home to Unkei's masterpiece sculptures and offering authentic esoteric rituals in UNESCO World Heritage Koyasan.
Small Chinese Chest with Sawachidori Design and Mother of
Discover the Sawa Chidori Raden Makie Sho-Karabitsu, a National Treasure at Kongōbu-ji Temple on Mount Koya. This exquisite 12th-century lacquer chest combines gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay to depict plovers playing in a marsh, representing the pinnacle of Heian-period Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship.
Artifacts Excavated from the Naraharayama Sutra Mound in Iyo
Explore the extraordinary Naraharayama Sutra Mound artifacts, 42 National Treasures from 12th-century Japan including a magnificent bronze pagoda, discovered in 1934. Visit these perfectly preserved Buddhist treasures at Tamakawa Modern Art Museum in Ehime.
Deep Bowl Shaped Pottery Excavated from the Sasayama Site in
Explore the Sasayama Site's flame-style pottery, Japan's only National Treasure from the prehistoric Jomon period. Visit Tokamachi City Museum to see these 5,500-year-old artistic masterpieces and experience the unique culture of Japan's snow country region.
Taga Castle Monument (December 1st, Tenpyo Hoji 6th Year)
Discover the Tagajo Monument, one of Japan's three oldest stone inscriptions and newest National Treasure. This 8th-century frontier marker near Sendai offers free access to authentic ancient history, seasonal beauty, and the exact spot where haiku master Matsuo Basho wept.
Kamiya Shrine Main Hall
Discover Kandani Shrine's National Treasure main hall in Kagawa - Japan's oldest shrine building with a confirmed date of 1219. Experience pristine Kamakura-period architecture, the nagare-zukuri style, and 1200 years of continuous worship at the foot of Mt. Goshikidai.
Yakushido Hall of Horakuji Temple
Experience Japan's authentic Buddhist heritage at Burakuji Yakushido, Shikoku's oldest building and Kochi's only National Treasure. This remote 1151 CE mountain temple preserves three National Treasure Buddha statues and rare Heian period architecture.
Akishino-Dera Temple Main Hall
Experience Akishino-dera Temple's 8th-century National Treasure hall, Japan's only ancient Gigeiten statue, and enchanting moss garden with 120 varieties. This hidden Nara sanctuary offers intimate access to 1,300 years of Buddhist art away from crowds.
Silver and Bronze Hirumaki Tachi Sword Mounting
Explore the Gindo Hirumaki Tachi, a rare 12th-century National Treasure featuring unique spiral metalwork. Located at Niutsuhime Shrine near Mount Koya, this masterpiece showcases Japan's finest sword mounting craftsmanship.
Colored Silk Painting of Court Ladies (attributed to King
Discover the National Treasure 'Portrait of a Court Lady' (Kyūjo-zu), a Yuan Dynasty masterpiece depicting a woman in male court attire with a flute at her sash. Explore its storied provenance from the Ashikaga Shogunal collection to the legendary collector Ohara Magosaburō, its connection to the ancient flute virtuoso Huan Yi, and how to view this enigmatic painting at the Kyoto National Museum and the 2026 special exhibition at the Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki.
Ink Painting on Paper, Light-Coloured Landscape (by Sesshu)
Discover the National Treasure "Landscape in Ink and Light Color on Paper" by Sesshū Tōyō, one of Japan's greatest ink painters. This masterpiece from the Muromachi period is believed to be his final work, held in the Ōhara family collection in Kurashiki, Okayama.
Kaifu Family Tree
Discover the Amabe Clan Genealogy, a National Treasure housed at Kono Shrine near Amanohashidate, Kyoto. This 9th-century scroll is Japan's oldest surviving family genealogy, revealing the history of an ancient seafaring clan.
An Introductory Look into the Tale of Genji (written by
Discover the Okuiri, a National Treasure commentary on The Tale of Genji handwritten by the legendary poet Fujiwara no Teika around 1233. Learn about this invaluable manuscript's history, significance, and its role in preserving Japan's greatest literary masterpiece.
Gilt-Bronze Ono No Genji Gravestone
Explore the Gilt-Bronze Epitaph of Ono no Emishi, a National Treasure dating to 677 CE. Learn about its connection to the famous diplomat Ono no Imoko, its dramatic discovery at Sudō Shrine in Kyoto, and how to visit this hidden gem of Japanese archaeology.
Gilt-Bronze Fujiwara No Michinaga Sutra Case
Discover the National Treasure gilt-bronze sutra container (kyōzutsu) of Fujiwara no Michinaga, the oldest sutra burial artifact in Japan, dating from 1007. On deposit at the Kyoto National Museum, this Heian-period masterpiece reveals the faith and power of Japan's most influential regent.
Excavated Items from the Sutra Mounds of Mount Kinpu, Nara
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.