Thirty-Six People's House Collection

Discover the Sanjūrokunin Kashū, a 12th-century National Treasure housed at Nishi Hongan-ji in Kyoto. This illuminated anthology of Japan's Thirty-Six Immortal Poets features the world's oldest known paper collage techniques, exquisite calligraphy by 20 court scribes, and lavish gold-and-silver decorated papers that represent the pinnacle of Heian-period aristocratic culture.

A Portrait of the Monk Myoe, Painted on Paper

The National Treasure 'Portrait of Monk Myōe' held at Kōzan-ji temple in Kyoto is a uniquely unconventional portrait from the Kamakura period, depicting the revered Kegon Buddhist monk Myōe Shōnin meditating atop a pine tree deep in the mountains. Attributed to his disciple Enichi-bō Jōnin, this 13th-century masterpiece is celebrated for its innovative composition that places the human figure small within a dominant natural landscape, and for its stylistic connections to Song-dynasty Chinese painting.

Shuigusou (vols. 1, 2, and 3, Handwritten)

Discover the Shūi Gusō, the only known autograph self-compiled poetry anthology from medieval Japan, handwritten by the legendary poet Fujiwara no Teika. This National Treasure is preserved by the Reizei family in Kyoto.

The Second Volume of the Spring and Autumn Classics

Discover the Chunqiu Jingzhuan Jijie Volume 2 Fragment, a rare Tang dynasty manuscript and National Treasure housed at the Yūrinkan Museum in Kyoto. Learn about its history, significance, and how to visit.

The Theory of Emperor Shotoku

Discover the Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu, the oldest surviving biography of Prince Shōtoku, designated as a National Treasure of Japan. This precious Heian-period manuscript is held at Chion-in Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Zen-in Forehead Character 幌tile Character

Discover the National Treasure "Zen'in Gakuji narabini Haiji" at Tōfuku-ji Temple in Kyoto—19 masterful calligraphy scrolls by Wuzhun Shifan and Zhang Jizhi from 13th-century Southern Song China, representing the finest surviving examples of Zen temple signboard calligraphy.

Song Gaozong Calligraphy Huizong Wen Collection Preface

This National Treasure is a handscroll containing a preface written by Emperor Gaozong (1107–1187), the founder of China's Southern Song dynasty, for the collected literary works of his father, Emperor Huizong — the last ruler of the Northern Song. Penned in 1154, this exceptionally rare example of imperial calligraphy is both a masterwork of brush art and a poignant tribute from a son to a father lost in the upheaval of the Jingkang Incident. The scroll also bears colophons by renowned scholars including Hu Sanxing and Wen Zhengming, and is deposited at the Kyoto National Museum.

All Items Delivered Within the Statue

Discover the extraordinary National Treasure deposited items found inside the Shaka Nyorai statue at Seiryō-ji Temple in Kyoto. From silk internal organs to Buddhist scriptures, these 10th-century artifacts offer a rare glimpse into Song-dynasty faith and medicine.

Song Edition of the Complete Canon

Discover the Song Dynasty Tripitaka (Sōhan Issaikyō) at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto — a National Treasure collection of 6,102 woodblock-printed Buddhist scriptures from 12th-century China, brought to Japan by the monk Chōgen.

Song Dynasty Version of Taiping Gyoran

Discover the Song Dynasty edition of Taiping Yulan, a 1,000-volume Chinese encyclopedia designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Preserved at Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, these 103 surviving volumes date back to 1199 and represent one of the most important literary treasures connecting Japan and China.

The Diamond Sutra by Daikaku Zenji

Discover the National Treasure "Diamond Sutra Handwritten by Daikaku Zenji" at Ryōkōin temple in Kyoto's Daitoku-ji complex. This 13th-century Zen calligraphy masterpiece by Rankei Dōryū, founder of Kamakura's Kenchō-ji, represents one of the finest surviving examples of Song-dynasty brushwork in Japan.

Daigoji Temple Documents and Sacred Teachings

Discover the Daigo-ji Monjo Shōgyō, a National Treasure collection of 69,378 manuscripts at Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Daigo-ji Temple. Explore centuries of Buddhist sacred teachings, imperial correspondence, and historical records preserved since the Nara period.

Daito Kokushi Calligraphy〈May 13th, 2nd Year of

Discover the National Treasure calligraphy by Shūhō Myōchō (National Master Daitō), founder of Daitokuji Temple. Written in 1330 for a female Zen practitioner, this masterpiece is preserved at Daisenin sub-temple in Kyoto.

Daito Kokushi Calligraphy〈Sekiyama Character Name/(Kareki

Discover the National Treasure calligraphy by Zen master Shūhō Myōchō (Daitō Kokushi), bestowing the name "Kanzan" upon his disciple in 1329. Learn about this pivotal work in Japanese Zen history, now deposited at the Kyoto National Museum.

Daito Kokushi Calligraphy〈Inkacho/Gentoku 2nd Year, Chuka

Discover the National Treasure calligraphy of Daitō Kokushi — a 1330 certificate of dharma transmission from Zen master Shūhō Myōchō to Kanzan Egen, preserved at Myōshin-ji temple in Kyoto. Learn about its significance in Japanese Zen Buddhism.

Daito Kokushi Calligraphy〈Kandoku Shinshobi〉

Discover the National Treasure calligraphy "Kandoku Shinsen-bō" by Zen master Shūhō Myōchō (Daitō Kokushi), housed at Shinjuan sub-temple in Daitokuji, Kyoto. Learn about its historical significance, the art of bokuseki, and how to visit this rarely seen masterpiece.

Preface to the Mahavairocana Sutra (written by Kobo Daishi)

Discover the Dainichi-kyō Kaidai, a National Treasure scroll handwritten by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), one of Japan's legendary "Three Brushes." Housed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto, this rare manuscript reveals the master calligrapher's personal study notes from Tang Dynasty China.

The Great Hall of the Charm Sutra (Volume 3)

Discover the Dailōtan-kyō Volume 3, a National Treasure Buddhist sutra copied in 673 CE during the Tang Dynasty. Housed at Chion-in temple in Kyoto, this ancient cosmological scripture offers a rare glimpse into early Buddhist manuscript culture.

News from the Emperor Takakura (November 13th)

Discover the National Treasure autograph letter of Emperor Takakura, preserved at UNESCO World Heritage Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto. Written in 1178 to thank his half-brother for prayers ensuring the safe birth of the future Emperor Antoku, this is the sole surviving example of the emperor's handwriting.

Tachi (inscribed Masatsune)

Discover the National Treasure tachi signed Masatsune, a masterwork of the Ko-Bizen school from the Heian period. Housed at Kyoto National Museum, this ancient Japanese sword exemplifies the refined artistry and technical brilliance of one of Japan's greatest swordsmiths.