Former Jurin-in Treasure House

Former Jūrin-in Treasury: A Kamakura-Period Azekura Hidden in the Heart of Tokyo

Tucked away in a quiet grove of trees beside the Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures at Tokyo National Museum, the Former Jūrin-in Treasury (旧十輪院宝蔵) stands as one of the city's most overlooked historical treasures. This compact, elegant storehouse — built in the azekura (log-cabin) style during the early Kamakura period (13th century) — was originally part of Jūrin-in Temple in Nara before being relocated to Tokyo in 1882. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1953, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into the architectural ingenuity and spiritual devotion of medieval Japan, right within one of the world's greatest museum complexes.

Historical Background: From Nara's Sacred Grounds to Ueno Park

Jūrin-in Temple (十輪院) is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in the historic Naramachi district of Nara. It was originally established as a sub-temple of Gangō-ji, one of the great Seven Temples of Nara (南都七大寺). According to temple tradition, it was founded during the Nara period by Asano no Nakai (朝野魚養), believed to be the eldest son of the eminent scholar-politician Kibi no Makibi. Asano no Nakai was renowned as a master calligrapher, and legend even holds that he served as a teacher to the great monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi).

The treasury was originally built to house the Daihannya-kyō (Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) in 600 volumes, a monumental set of scriptures traditionally attributed to the brush of Asano no Nakai himself. These sutras, commonly known as the "Nakai-kyō" (魚養経), date back to the Tenpyō era (8th century) and are considered masterpieces of Japanese calligraphy. Portions of this collection have been designated as National Treasures.

During the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration and the anti-Buddhist movement known as haibutsu kishaku (廃仏毀釈), the sutras were transferred to Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara and subsequently dispersed among several institutions, including Nara National Museum and the Fujita Museum of Art. The treasury building itself was relocated from Nara to the grounds of what is now Tokyo National Museum in May 1882 (Meiji 15), where it has remained ever since.

Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property

The Former Jūrin-in Treasury was designated as an Important Cultural Property (重要文化財) on August 29, 1953, in recognition of its exceptional architectural and artistic significance. Several factors contributed to this designation:

First, it is a rare surviving example of a small-scale azekura storehouse from the Kamakura period. The azekura construction technique, in which triangular or pentagonal timber beams are stacked horizontally to form the walls, is best known from the iconic Shōsō-in Repository at Tōdai-ji in Nara. While the Shōsō-in is a grand structure, the Former Jūrin-in Treasury demonstrates that this ancient method was also used for more intimate, devotional buildings.

Second, the building features a distinctive architectural detail: it has no rafters (taruki) in the eaves, a style shared with the main hall of Jūrin-in Temple itself, indicating a coherent regional building tradition. The hōgyō-zukuri (pyramidal) roof covered with hon-kawara (formal tiles) adds to its dignified yet compact appearance.

Third, the building preserves remarkable artwork. Stone panels set into the base on all four sides are incised with images of the Sixteen Good Deities (十六善神) — protective guardian figures associated with the Daihannya-kyō — four deities on each side. The interior walls feature paintings of bodhisattvas and the Sixteen Good Deities, while the inner and outer surfaces of the front door are decorated with the Four Heavenly Kings (四天王). These artistic features make the treasury not merely a storage building, but a sacred space in its own right.

Architectural Highlights and Artistic Features

Despite its modest size — just one bay (approximately 3 meters) square — the Former Jūrin-in Treasury is remarkably rich in detail.

Visiting the Former Jūrin-in Treasury

The treasury is located outdoors on the grounds of Tokyo National Museum, in a small wooded area near the Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures. It is surrounded by a fence but can be viewed from close proximity. The area is easily overlooked by most visitors, making it a peaceful spot for those who seek it out. There is no separate admission fee — it is accessible to anyone who enters the museum grounds.

The structure is usually visible year-round, though special close-up viewing events have occasionally been held in the past. Even from outside the fence, the stone carvings on the base are visible and worth careful examination.

Surrounding Attractions at Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest and largest national museum, housing over 117,000 items including 89 National Treasures and 644 Important Cultural Properties. While visiting the Former Jūrin-in Treasury, be sure to explore these nearby highlights:

• Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures — A stunning modern building by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, displaying over 300 treasures donated by Hōryū-ji Temple in 1878.
• Honkan (Japanese Gallery) — The museum's main building, showcasing Japanese art from the Jōmon period to the modern era.
• Tōyōkan (Asian Gallery) — Dedicated to art and artifacts from across Asia, including China, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
• Former Inshu Ikeda Residence Gate (Kuromon) — Another Important Cultural Property on the museum grounds, this imposing gate dates from the Edo period.
• Museum Garden — A traditional Japanese garden with teahouses, typically open to the public in spring and autumn.

Beyond the museum, Ueno Park offers a wealth of cultural institutions including the National Museum of Western Art (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Ueno Zoo, Tōshō-gū Shrine, and Shinobazu Pond.