Kyoudou Chigu Sumiyori〈Dharma Death Anniversary Poem〉

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.

Kyogyoshinsho (written by Shinran/(Bandō Version))

The Bandō-bon is the sole surviving manuscript of the Kyōgyōshinshō written in the hand of Shinran Shōnin, founder of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. Designated a National Treasure, this 13th-century masterwork bears decades of revisions in red and black ink, hidden stylus marks discovered during restoration, and a dramatic survival story from the Great Kantō Earthquake. Discover its significance, viewing opportunities at the Kyoto National Museum, and related heritage sites including Higashi Honganji.

Gyokuhenmaki No. 27 (first Half)

Discover the Gyokuhen (Yupian) Volume 27 at Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto—a National Treasure and Tang dynasty manuscript of the oldest Chinese character dictionary, lost in China but preserved in Japan for over 1,400 years.

Kumano Kaishi (written by Emperor Gotoba, Written by

Discover the Kumano Kaishi at Yomei Bunko — three National Treasure calligraphy sheets penned by Emperor Go-Toba, Fujiwara no Ietaka, and Jakuren during sacred Kumano pilgrimages around 1200 CE. Learn about their literary significance, the Shin Kokin Wakashū connection, and how to experience these masterpieces of early Kamakura-period calligraphy.

Kiyoshige Furubayashi Calligraphy〈Mochirindo No./March Day

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.

Kanta Grain Silk Robe

Discover the Kenda Kokushi Kesa, a National Treasure Buddhist vestment brought to Japan by Kukai from Tang Dynasty China. Housed at the Kyoto National Museum, this 8th-century tapestry-weave masterpiece reveals the roots of Shingon Buddhism.

Colored Statue of Enmaten on Silk

The National Treasure painting of Enma-ten (Yama) at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto is a masterpiece of Kamakura-period esoteric Buddhist art. Rather than the fearsome King of Hell, this silk scroll depicts Yama as an elegant, bodhisattva-like figure seated upon a white water buffalo—believed to have been created as the principal icon for safe-childbirth prayers. With its exquisite cut-gold leaf decoration and masterful brushwork, it stands as one of Japan's finest medieval Buddhist paintings.

Colored Silk Statue of the Seven Ancestors

Discover the National Treasure silk paintings of the Seven Patriarchs of Shingon Buddhism at Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto. Five of the seven scrolls were painted by Tang dynasty court artist Li Zhen and brought to Japan by Kūkai in 806 CE, making them among the rarest surviving examples of Tang-era portraiture in the world.

Colored Silk Statue of Fudo Myoo Nidoji

Discover the Blue Fudo (Ao Fudo), a National Treasure silk painting of Fudo Myoo with Two Attendants at Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto. Learn about this masterpiece of Heian-period Buddhist art, one of Japan's Three Great Fudo Paintings.

Traditional Statue of Minamoto No Yoritomo, Colored on Silk

Discover the National Treasure silk portrait traditionally attributed to Minamoto no Yoritomo at Jingo-ji Temple in Kyoto. Learn about its Kamakura-era artistry, the ongoing scholarly debate over its subject, and how to view this masterpiece of Japanese portraiture.

Ink Painting Landscape on Silk

Discover Kenpon Bokuga Sansuizu, a National Treasure ink landscape painting attributed to the great Song Dynasty master Li Tang, housed at Koto-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji in Kyoto. Learn about its artistic significance, history with the Hosokawa samurai clan, and how to plan your visit.

Emperor Gouda's Imperial Seal and Letter

Discover the National Treasure 'Go-Uda Tennō Shinkan Otein Yuigō' at Daikaku-ji Temple in Kyoto — a handwritten testament by the 91st Emperor of Japan, bearing his vermillion hand print. Created in the 1320s, this remarkable scroll preserves the emperor's final wishes for the temple and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, and stands as a masterpiece of imperial calligraphy.

The Biography of Kobo Daishi, Written by Emperor Gouda

Discover the National Treasure calligraphy by Emperor Go-Uda, a deeply personal biography of Kōbō Daishi written on silk in 1315, preserved at Daikaku-ji Temple in Kyoto's scenic Sagano district.

Emperor Gouda's Letter of Attachment Concerning the

Discover the National Treasure shinkan (imperial handwritten document) by Emperor Go-Uda, written in 1308 to ensure the prosperity of Tō-ji Temple. Learn about this remarkable piece of Japanese calligraphy, the emperor's devotion to Shingon Buddhism, and how to visit Tō-ji in Kyoto.

Yellow Emperor Neijing Taisu

Discover the Huangdi Neijing Taisu, a National Treasure housed at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto. This 12th-century manuscript is the oldest surviving copy of an ancient Chinese medical text that was lost in China itself. Learn about its history, significance, and how to visit.

Koryuji Temple Historical Assets Register

Compiled in 873 CE, the Kōryū-ji Engi Shizai-chō is a National Treasure ancient document that meticulously records the Buddhist statues, scriptures, landholdings, and ceremonial vestments of Kōryū-ji — Kyoto's oldest temple. Organized into six comprehensive chapters, this rare Heian-period inventory includes descriptions of ritual garments found in no other temple records. Discover the historical significance of this invaluable manuscript and explore the treasures of Kōryū-ji Temple, home to Japan's celebrated Hōkan Miroku statue.

A Collection of Ancient and Modern Waka Poems (written by

The Kokin Wakashū copied by Fujiwara no Teika in 1226 is a National Treasure and the most influential manuscript of Japan's first imperial poetry anthology. Preserved for 800 years by the Reizei family in Kyoto, this extraordinary document features Teika's own handwritten annotations, collation notes, and the distinctive calligraphic style that shaped Japanese literary tradition. Discover its scholarly significance, artistic beauty, and remarkable unbroken provenance.

Kokin Waka Collection (colored Paper)/(Manshuin Book)

The National Treasure Kokin Wakashū (Manshuin-bon), preserved at Manshuin Temple in Kyoto, is an 11th-century handscroll featuring exquisite kana calligraphy on color-shifting dyed paper. Attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari, this masterwork embodies the pinnacle of Heian-period aesthetic refinement.

Diamond Sutra〈Written by Zhang Sozhi〉

Discover the Diamond Sutra (Kongō-kyō) by Zhang Jizhi, a National Treasure of Japan housed at Chishaku-in Temple in Kyoto. This 1253 masterpiece of Southern Song calligraphy represents one of the finest examples of Chinese brushwork preserved in Japan.

Gilt Bronze Chime with Lotus Design

Discover the Gilt-bronze Lotus Flower Pattern Kei (Kondō Renge-mon Kei), a National Treasure of Japan housed at Zenrinji Temple (Eikando) in Kyoto. This exquisite Heian-period Buddhist percussion instrument showcases the pinnacle of Japanese bronze casting and gilt metalwork.