National Treasure

The National Treasure Hanshu Shihuo Zhi Volume 4, held by Ōsu Kannon temple in Nagoya, is one of the world's oldest surviving manuscripts of the Book of Han's Treatise on Food and Money — ancient China's earliest economic history. Copied during the Nara to Heian period with Tang dynasty annotations, it bears the seal of Japan's ancient Ministry of Ceremonies and stands as a remarkable testament to cultural exchange across East Asia.

Discover the Kanrin Gakushi Shishū, a National Treasure manuscript of Tang dynasty Chinese poetry preserved at Ōsu Kannon temple in Nagoya. Learn about this rare Heian-period copy, the legendary Ōsu Bunko library, and how to plan your visit.

Three volumes brushed by the monk Kenyu around 1371 form the oldest surviving copy of the Kojiki, Japan's earliest history. A National Treasure held by Osu Kannon.

Sesshu's only figure painting among his six National Treasures, signed at age 77 in 1496. The monk Huike cuts off his arm to prove his resolve to Bodhidharma.

Discover the Uraku Rai Kunimitsu, a National Treasure tantō forged by master smith Rai Kunimitsu in the late Kamakura period. Once owned by Toyotomi Hideyori and the celebrated tea master Oda Urakusai, this magnificent short sword is now displayed at the Nagoya Token Museum. Explore its brilliant blade artistry, storied samurai provenance, and the cultural world of feudal Japan.

Chōgyokushū, a Tang anthology lost in China, survives only as volumes 12 and 14, copied in Japan in 747. A National Treasure held at Ōsu Kannon in Nagoya.

A National Treasure dagger by Kyoto master Rai Kunitoshi, dated 1316 and made when he was about 76. Owned by Atsuta Jingu, it is shown at the Tokyo National Museum.

Discover the National Treasure main hall of Taisan-ji Temple, a magnificent Kamakura-period Buddhist building in Matsuyama. Temple 52 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, it houses rare secret Buddha statues and features a legendary origin story.

Discover Taihoji Main Hall, a National Treasure in Matsuyama, Ehime. This early Kamakura-period temple preserves rare late-Heian Amida hall architecture and houses Important Cultural Property Buddhist statues. Open annually on March 28.

Discover the Akaito Odoshi Yoroi, a National Treasure armor said to have been dedicated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island. This rare Heian-period masterpiece uniquely combines o-yoroi and domaru features.

Discover the National Treasure Ōdachi attributed to the Bungo swordsmith Tomoyuki, a magnificent 275 cm great sword from the Nanbokuchō period. Housed at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, this legendary blade was wielded by the warrior Ōmori Hikoshichi and later dedicated to the shrine by his descendants.

Discover the National Treasure ōdachi inscribed "Jōji 5th Year, Senjuin Nagayoshi" at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island. Learn about this masterpiece of Nanbokuchō-era swordsmithing, the Yamato Senjuin school, and Emperor Go-Murakami's legendary offering.

Discover the Kon'ito Odoshi Yoroi, a National Treasure of Japan housed at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, Ehime. This late Heian-period ō-yoroi, one of Japan's Three Great Armors, was dedicated by the warrior Kōno Michinobu after the Genpei War.

Discover the Murasaki Aya Odoshi Yoroi, a rare National Treasure armor from the early Kamakura period, housed at Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, Ehime. Learn about its history, craftsmanship, and how to visit.

Discover the Chokutō with Kuro-Urushi Hyōmon Tachi Koshirae, a National Treasure straight sword over 2.7 meters long, preserved at Kashima Jingū in Ibaraki Prefecture. Learn about its mythological origins, exquisite lacquer craftsmanship, and how to visit.

Discover the Aka-gawa Odoshi Yoroi, a National Treasure of Japan housed at the Okayama Prefectural Museum. This rare Heian-period ō-yoroi is the only surviving example of red leather-laced armor, offering a rare glimpse into the life of real samurai warriors.

Discover the National Treasure tachi forged by master swordsmith Nagamitsu of the Osafune School in Bizen Province. Housed at the Hayashibara Museum of Art in Okayama, this Kamakura-period masterpiece showcases the pinnacle of Japanese sword craftsmanship.

The National Treasure tachi signed Yoshifusa, held at the Hayashibara Museum of Art in Okayama, is a masterwork by the celebrated Kamakura-period swordsmith Yoshifusa of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school. Renowned for its dazzling chōji-midare tempering pattern and exceptional state of preservation, this blade is considered the most magnificent among Yoshifusa's surviving works. With a distinguished provenance from the Matsudaira family of Saijō Domain and accompanied by historical appraisal certificates from the Hon'ami family, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese sword artistry.

Discover the Kuki Masamune, a National Treasure tantō forged by the legendary swordsmith Masamune in the Kamakura period. Housed at Hayashibara Museum of Art in Okayama, this unsigned masterpiece carries a dramatic history from the Kuki naval clan to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Discover the National Treasure statues and canopies inside Chūson-ji's Golden Hall in Hiraizumi, Iwate. Explore 33 gilded Buddhist sculptures from the 12th century, learn about the Ōshū Fujiwara legacy, and plan your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.