Heian

Experience the Kozakura-odoshi armor, sole survivor of the mythical Genji Eight Armors. This National Treasure opens to public viewing just 1-2 days annually at Yamanashi's Sugata Shrine, revealing exquisite Heian craftsmanship and Takeda clan heritage.

Discover the Hōsōge Maki-e Kyōbako, a National Treasure of Japan from the Heian period. This exquisite lacquered sutra box at Enryaku-ji Temple showcases the pinnacle of togidashi maki-e craftsmanship with gold and silver arabesque designs.

Explore Japan's National Treasure Rokusoenen-den, an 803 CE Tang Dynasty manuscript at Enryaku-ji Temple. Learn about Huineng's revolutionary Zen teachings and plan your visit to Mount Hiei's UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discover Gobu Shinkan, a rare National Treasure scroll of esoteric Buddhist iconography preserved at Miidera Temple in Shiga. This 9th-century Tang Dynasty masterpiece features stunning ink drawings of Vajradhatu deities, brought from China by the monk Enchin in 855.

Discover the Senkoku Senju Kannon Mirror, Akita Prefecture's sole National Treasure. This exquisite 11th-century bronze mirror features intricate engravings of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and is viewable only one hour annually on August 17th at Suijin Shrine.

Explore the magnificent Sea Beast and Grape Mirror (Kaiju Budo Kyo), Japan's only nationally designated craft treasure in Chiba. This 7th-8th century Tang dynasty bronze mirror at Katori Shrine showcases exquisite ancient artistry and cultural exchange.

Discover the Engishiki, a National Treasure housed at Amanosan Kongoji Temple in Osaka. Copied in 1127 CE, these scrolls are the oldest surviving manuscripts of Japan's most complete ancient legal code, revealing Heian-period governance, Onmyōdō divination, and imperial court culture.

Discover the extraordinary Rhinoceros Horn Handle Knife, a National Treasure from Emperor Shomu's personal collection. Learn how to view this 1,260-year-old artifact during the exclusive 17-day Shosoin Exhibition at Nara National Museum, including tickets, access from Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto, and combining your visit with World Heritage Sites.

Discover the Seihakuji circular inkstone, Japan's only ceramic inkstone designated as National Treasure. This Tang Dynasty masterpiece at Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine reveals 1,100 years of cultural exchange between China and Japan through the legacy of Sugawara no Michizane.

Discover the exquisite tortoiseshell-decorated ivory comb at Dōmyōji Tenman-gū Shrine in Osaka. This National Treasure from the Heian period showcases Tang dynasty craftsmanship through five precious materials, while telling the poignant story of Japan's patron deity of learning.

Discover the Nezame Monogatari Emaki, a 12th-century National Treasure housed at Nara's Yamato Bunkakan Museum. This exquisite handscroll exemplifies the pinnacle of Heian court painting with its gold-adorned illustrations and the last fragments of a lost tale of forbidden love.

Discover Nageiredo, a miraculous temple perched on a cliff face 520m above ground. Built over 1000 years ago and shrouded in legend, this National Treasure offers spiritual adventure through ancient pilgrimage trails. Experience authentic Japanese mountain worship at Mt. Mitoku.

Discover the 9th-century National Treasure silk paintings of the Twelve Devas from Saidai-ji Temple, the oldest surviving examples of these Buddhist guardian deity images in Japan, now preserved at the Tokyo National Museum.

Experience the Mikazuki Munechika, Japan's most beautiful National Treasure sword crafted in 1000 CE. Learn about its crescent moon patterns, legendary history through shoguns and samurai, and how to view this masterpiece at Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.

Discover Odenta Mitsuyo, a National Treasure sword and one of Japan's legendary "Five Great Swords." Learn about this 900-year-old masterpiece's mystical history, from samurai lords to modern museum display in Kanazawa.

Explore the 12th-century National Treasure combining nashiji lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold decorations. Learn about this rare Heian period ceremonial sword's history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance in Tokyo's premier museum.

Discover the mystical beauty of Yohen Tenmoku tea bowl (Inaba Tenmoku) at Seikado Bunko Art Museum in Marunouchi, Tokyo. Experience this 12th century National Treasure with its celestial blue iridescence and explore the sophisticated culture of Japanese tea ceremony.

Explore the magnificent 11th-century silk portraits of Prince Shotoku and nine Tendai Buddhist masters at Ichijoji Temple in Hyogo. These National Treasures showcase the transmission of Buddhism from India to Japan with exquisite Heian-period artistry.

Discover the Sawa Chidori Raden Makie Sho-Karabitsu, a National Treasure at Kongōbu-ji Temple on Mount Koya. This exquisite 12th-century lacquer chest combines gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay to depict plovers playing in a marsh, representing the pinnacle of Heian-period Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship.

Explore the extraordinary Naraharayama Sutra Mound artifacts, 42 National Treasures from 12th-century Japan including a magnificent bronze pagoda, discovered in 1934. Visit these perfectly preserved Buddhist treasures at Tamakawa Modern Art Museum in Ehime.