National Treasure

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.

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.

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.

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.

At Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu, eight National Treasure scrolls of about 1219 trace Sugawara no Michizane from official to vengeful thunder god to the deity Tenjin.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daigo-ji's eighth-century Illustrated Sutra of Cause and Effect runs painted scenes of the Buddha's life above the text, an early root of Japan's picture scrolls.

A National Treasure ink scroll at Konchi-in, Kyoto, dated 1413: an imagined valley retreat under poems by six Zen monks, Japan's oldest surviving studio painting.

A 1338 National Treasure portrait of retired emperor Hanazono by the monk Goshin, bearing the emperor's own inscription that modestly calls his own features humble.

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.

At the Watanuki Kannonyama Tumulus in Takasaki, Gunma, an unlooted 6th-century chamber held grave goods linked to Baekje and China, now a National Treasure.

A National Treasure cast in 858 on Mt. Hiei, this bell bears a dated mirror-script inscription and is Japan's sixth oldest dated bell, now at the Sagawa Art Museum.