Hokaiji Amida Hall

Discover the Amida Hall of Hokaiji Temple, a National Treasure in Kyoto's Hino district. Explore its Kamakura-era architecture, celestial wall paintings, and the majestic Amida Buddha statue dating from the Fujiwara period.

Toyokuni Shrine Karamon Gate

Discover the Karamon Gate at Toyokuni Shrine in Kyoto, a National Treasure from the Momoyama period. Originally from Fushimi Castle, this gate features exquisite carvings attributed to the legendary Hidari Jingoro and stands as one of Kyoto's three celebrated National Treasure karamon gates.

Honganji Temple Hiunkaku

Discover Hiunkaku Pavilion, one of Kyoto's Three Great Pavilions alongside Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. This rarely-opened National Treasure at Nishi Honganji showcases asymmetrical beauty from the Momoyama period, floating like clouds above a tranquil pond garden.

Manpukuji Temple

Explore Manpukuji Temple in Uji, Kyoto - home to Japan's newest National Treasures (2024). Experience unique Ming Dynasty architecture, traditional Fucha vegetarian cuisine, and the cultural legacy of Zen master Ingen. A hidden gem just 5 minutes from Obaku Station.

Yasaka Shrine Main Hall

Discover the Honden (Main Hall) of Yasaka Shrine, a National Treasure designated in 2020 for its unique Gion-zukuri architecture. Learn about its 1,000-year history, the legendary dragon cave beneath it, and its deep connection to Kyoto's iconic Gion Festival.

16 Arhats in Color on Silk

Discover the National Treasure "Sixteen Arhats" paintings at Seiryoji Temple in Kyoto. These rare Northern Song Chinese Buddhist paintings are the only surviving Chinese examples in Japan and among the oldest arhat paintings in the world.

Colored Statue of Fugen Enmei on Silk

Discover the National Treasure silk painting of Fugen Enmei at Matsunoo-dera Temple in Maizuru, Kyoto. A masterpiece of Heian period Buddhist art with exquisite kirikane gold leaf and ungen color gradation techniques, once owned by Empress Bifukumon'in.

Portrait of Shiromu Jun Shihan on Silk Book

Discover the National Treasure "Portrait of Wuzhun Shifan" at Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto. A masterpiece of Southern Song Dynasty chinso portraiture from 1238 that embodies the spiritual bond between Zen master and disciple across China and Japan.

Colored Silk Buddha Eye Statue of the Buddha

Discover the National Treasure silk painting Butsugen Butsumo-zo at Kosanji Temple, Kyoto. Learn about the esoteric Buddhist Mother of All Buddhas and the devotion of the monk Myoe Shonin.

Colored Fudo Myoo Statue on Silk

Discover the National Treasure "Fudo Myoo Painting (Yellow Fudo)" at Manshu-in Temple in Kyoto. A 12th-century Heian masterpiece of Buddhist art, one of Japan's Three Great Fudo Paintings, with a remarkable hidden discovery revealed during restoration.

Five Storied Pagoda First Layered Mural (color Board

Discover the National Treasure wall paintings inside the Five-Story Pagoda at Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. Dating from 951, these exquisite murals of the Two Realms Mandala and Shingon Patriarchs are among the oldest surviving Buddhist paintings in Japan.

Vajrabhadrani Sutra

Discover the Kongōjō Darani-kyō, Japan's oldest surviving handwritten sutra, designated as a National Treasure. This 7th-century Buddhist manuscript from the Asuka period reveals the dawn of Japanese writing culture and calligraphic artistry.

Konjaku Monogatarishu

Discover the Konjaku Monogatarishū, Japan's greatest collection of over 1,000 ancient tales from India, China, and Japan. Designated a National Treasure, the Suzuka Manuscript at Kyoto University is the oldest surviving copy of this Heian-period masterpiece that inspired Akutagawa's Rashōmon.

Gilt Bronze Phoenix (former Ridge Ornament of the Central

Discover the Gilt Bronze Phoenixes (Kondo Ho-o), a Japanese National Treasure from 1053 CE. These masterpieces of Heian-period metalwork once crowned the Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Kyoto — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thirty-Cho Booklet

Discover Sanjūjō Sasshi, the National Treasure booklets hand-copied by Kūkai in Tang China. Housed at Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto, these 1,200-year-old esoteric Buddhist manuscripts are among Japan's most sacred cultural treasures.

玳玻 Tenmoku Tea Bowl

Discover the Taihi Tenmoku tea bowl, a National Treasure from 12th-13th century China housed at Shokoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Learn about its unique tortoiseshell glaze pattern, historical significance in Japanese tea ceremony, and how to visit this masterpiece of Song Dynasty ceramics.

Meihoki

Discover Meihoki, a 7th century Chinese Buddhist manuscript preserved as a National Treasure at Kyoto's Kosanji Temple. This rare collection of karmic tales survived only in Japan, offering unique insights into Tang Dynasty Buddhism.

Yohen Tenmoku Tea Bowl

Discover the mystical Yohen Tenmoku tea bowl at Rikkoin Temple, one of only three surviving examples in the world. Learn about this 800-year-old treasure's cosmic patterns, its connection to tea ceremony culture, and viewing opportunities in Kyoto.

Ink Painting on Paper: Choju Jinbutsu Giga

Discover Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), Japan's oldest manga and National Treasure. Learn about these iconic 12th-century ink scrolls at UNESCO World Heritage Kōzan-ji Temple in Kyoto.

Hououdo Chudo Wall Door Painting (color Board Painting)

Discover the Kuhon Raigo-zu wall and door paintings inside Byodo-in's Phoenix Hall in Uji, Kyoto. These 1053 CE National Treasure Yamato-e masterpieces depict nine grades of rebirth in the Buddhist Pure Land.