Master Rigen's Handwritten Disposition

The National Treasure 'Rigen Daishi Handwritten Disposition' preserved at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto is an official document written in 907 CE by the temple's founder, the monk Shōbō (Rigen Daishi). Recording the transfer of temple management to a senior disciple in his final years, this single handscroll is an exceptionally rare example of early Heian-period calligraphy and a vital primary source for the history of Japanese Buddhism. It is periodically displayed at Daigo-ji's Reihōkan Museum and in special exhibitions at major museums across Japan.

Tanuki Hair Brush Offering Inscription (said to Have Been

Discover the Rimōhitsu Hōken Hyō, a National Treasure document attributed to Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto. This 9th-century calligraphy masterpiece records the presentation of tanuki-hair brushes to Emperor Saga, revealing the origins of Japanese brush-making culture.

Ruiju Poetry Group

Discover the Ruijū Utaawase, a National Treasure anthology of over 200 Heian-period poetry competitions preserved at Yōmei Bunko in Kyoto. Explore its literary significance, exquisite calligraphy, and the aristocratic world of waka poetry contests.

Ruiju Koshu

Discover Ruijū Koshū, a National Treasure at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. This unique Heian-period manuscript is the sole surviving copy of the first thematic reorganization of Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Man'yōshū.

Wakansho Volume 2 (illustrated)

The National Treasure Wakan-shō Gekan (Saisen), held at the Yōmei Bunko in Kyoto, is a surviving portion of the Wakan Rōeishū anthology transcribed on brilliantly decorated paper (saisen) with calligraphy attributed to Fujiwara no Yukinari, one of Heian Japan's Three Great Calligraphers. Discover the exquisite fusion of poetry, brushwork, and decorative paper arts from a thousand years ago.

Colored Illustrations of the Sutra of Cause and Effect on

Discover the E Inga-kyō, a National Treasure illustrated handscroll from 8th-century Japan. Owned by Jōbon Rendai-ji Temple and deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, this rare Nara period painting depicts the life of Shakyamuni Buddha with vivid colors and elegant calligraphy.

Wind God and Thunder God, Colored on Gold Paper (by Tawaraya

Designated a National Treasure, the Wind God and Thunder God Screens by Tawaraya Sōtatsu is the iconic masterpiece of the Rinpa school, painted in early 17th-century Kyoto. Owned by Kennin-ji Temple and deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, this pair of gold-leafed folding screens captivates with its dynamic composition, pioneering tarashikomi technique, and unexpectedly humorous depiction of two nature deities. A stunning high-resolution facsimile is permanently displayed at Kennin-ji, located in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district.

Flower and Pine Tree on Gold Ground Paper (floor Mounted

Discover the National Treasure wall painting "Pine Trees and Flowers on Gold Ground" by Hasegawa Tohaku at Chishaku-in temple in Kyoto. Learn about its Momoyama-era splendor, the dramatic story of the Hasegawa school, and how to visit this masterpiece.

Cherry Blossom and Maple Tree Painting on Gold Paper (wall

Discover the National Treasure wall paintings "Cherry Blossoms and Maple Trees" (Ōfū-zu) by Hasegawa Tōhaku and his son Kyūzō at Chishaku-in Temple in Kyoto. Learn about their Momoyama-period gold-leaf splendor, the moving father-son story, and how to visit the newly opened Treasure Hall.

Pine and Plum Blossoms on Gold-Ground Paper (floor Door 4)

The National Treasure 'Pine and Plum Blossoms on Gold Paper' at Chishaku-in Temple in Kyoto is a masterpiece of Momoyama-period barrier painting by the Hasegawa Tohaku school. Originally created for Shōun-ji Temple, commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to memorialize his young son, these four resplendent fusuma panels feature pine and plum motifs on luminous gold leaf. Surviving over 400 years of fires and upheaval, they can be viewed at the temple's Treasure Hall, opened in 2023.

Paperback, Gold Background, Colored Pine, Yellow Hollyhocks

Discover the National Treasure painting "Pine Tree with Sunset Hibiscus and Chrysanthemums" by Momoyama master Hasegawa Tōhaku at Chishaku-in Temple, Kyoto. Explore its rich history, hidden political allegory, and visitor guide.

Ink Painting on Paper of Saint Shinran (mirror Image)

Discover the Kagami no Miei, a National Treasure ink portrait of Shinran Shonin at Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. Explore the art of Kamakura-period nise-e portraiture, learn about Shinran's life, and plan your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Illustrated Biography of the Reverend Honen (Text Emperor

Discover the National Treasure "Illustrated Biography of Hōnen Shōnin" (Hōnen Shōnin Eden) — a magnificent 48-scroll emaki masterpiece spanning 548 meters, housed at Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. Learn about its history, artistic significance, and how to see this extraordinary work.

Purple Lacquered Gold and Silver Mandala of the Two Worlds

The National Treasure 'Takao Mandala' at Jingoji Temple in Kyoto is the oldest surviving set of Two-Realm Mandalas in Japan and the only such work produced during the lifetime of Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Created during the Tencho era (824–833) on imperial commission, this monumental pair of nearly four-meter-square paintings depicts Buddhist deities in gold and silver on purple twill silk—a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art.

A Light Coloured Ink Painting on Paper of a Gourd and

Discover Hyōnen-zu, a National Treasure ink painting by Josetsu at Taizō-in Temple in Kyoto's Myōshin-ji complex. Learn about this 15th-century Zen masterpiece depicting the famous riddle of catching a catfish with a gourd.

Hojo Screen Paintings

Discover the Hōjō Shōhekiga at Jukō-in, Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto — 46 panels of National Treasure sliding door paintings by Kanō Eitoku and his father Shōei. Learn about these Momoyama-era masterpieces, their connection to Sen no Rikyū, and how to visit during special exhibitions.

Colored Illustration of Akino Cattle on Silk

Discover the National Treasure "Autumn Pasture with Cattle" (Akino Bokugyu-zu), a masterpiece of Southern Song Chinese painting attributed to court artist Yan Ciping. Housed at the Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Roppongi, Tokyo, this exquisite silk scroll once belonged to the Ashikaga Shogun's famed Higashiyama Collection.

Three-Story Pagoda at Kojoji Temple

Discover the Kojoji Temple Three-Story Pagoda, a National Treasure built in 1432 on Ikuchijima Island along the Shimanami Kaido. Explore its exquisite blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles amidst stunning Seto Inland Sea views.

Light Yellow Ayame Armor (with Helmet and Large Sleeves)

Discover the Asagi Aya-odoshi Yoroi, a rare National Treasure suit of samurai armor from the late Kamakura period, housed at the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima.

Colored Cypress Fan

The Saie Hiōgi (Painted Cypress Fan) is a National Treasure of Japan housed at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island, Hiroshima. Dating from the late Heian period (12th century), this ceremonial fan features 34 cypress slats lavishly decorated with gold and silver leaf and vivid polychrome paintings depicting uta-e (poem-picture) scenes — a rare surviving masterpiece of Heian court craftsmanship linked to the powerful Taira clan.