National Treasures of Tokyo

Discover the legendary Akaito-odoshi armor, Japan's oldest intact samurai suit from 1191, housed at Musashi Mitake Shrine. Experience sacred mountain culture, traditional lodgings, and pristine hiking trails just 90 minutes from Tokyo.

Discover the Bronze Epitaph of Funashi Ōgo, Japan's oldest dated epitaph (668 CE). This National Treasure reveals the life of an immigrant official who served three emperors. Learn about its historical significance, where to see it at Mitsui Memorial Museum, and explore the ancient burial site in Kashiwara, Osaka.

Discover Nakatsukasa Masamune, a National Treasure katana forged by Japan's legendary swordsmith Masamune, once owned by the invincible samurai Honda Tadakatsu. See it at Tokyo National Museum.

Discover the Sarashina Nikki, a National Treasure manuscript hand-copied by Fujiwara no Teika in the 13th century—the oldest and only surviving source of this Heian-era woman's memoir, housed at the Museum of the Imperial Collections in Tokyo.

Discover the Sōranjō (Mourning Disorder Letter), a National Treasure of Japan preserving the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi, the greatest calligrapher in Chinese history. Learn about this Tang Dynasty masterpiece at the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Tokyo.

Discover the National Treasure tachi signed Hisakuni, a masterpiece of Kamakura-period swordsmithing by the legendary Awataguchi Hisakuni. Learn about its history, artistry, and how to see it at the Tokyo National Museum.

Discover the National Treasure Tachi signed Masatsune, a Heian-period Japanese sword by the legendary Ko-Bizen school. Housed at the Tokyo National Museum, this blade exemplifies the pinnacle of early Japanese sword craftsmanship.

Discover the Wakan Rōeishū (Cloud Paper), a National Treasure of Japan housed at the Museum of the Imperial Collections. This 11th-century calligraphic masterpiece on indigo cloud-patterned paper beautifully unites Chinese poetry and Japanese waka.

Discover Shofukuji Jizo Hall in Higashimurayama, Tokyo's only wooden National Treasure building. Built in 1407, this rare Zen Buddhist temple showcases exceptional medieval architecture and houses nearly 1,000 sacred Jizo statues.

Discover the National Treasure tantō known as Gotō Tōshirō, forged by legendary Kamakura-era swordsmith Yoshimitsu and housed at Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. A shogun's wedding gift with centuries of history.

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.

Discover the exquisite 13th-century Butterfly Mother-of-Pearl Maki-e Cosmetic Box, a Japanese National Treasure showcasing the pinnacle of Kamakura period lacquerware. Located at Tokyo's Ebara Hatakeyama Museum, this masterpiece combines three decorative techniques with stunning visual impact.

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.

Experience Tokyo's only National Treasure Buddhist statue at Jindaiji Temple. This 7th-century bronze Buddha, traditional soba cuisine, and seasonal festivals await just 30 minutes from central Tokyo.

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.

Experience a 1,400-year-old terracotta warrior designated as National Treasure. This 130.5cm Kofun period masterpiece at Tokyo National Museum reveals Japan's ancient military culture and spiritual beliefs. Complete visitor guide included.

Discover the National Treasure artifacts from the tomb of Fumi no Nemaro, a 7th-century warrior hero of the Jinshin War. This collection at Tokyo National Museum features Japan's oldest dated epitaph, a rare green glass cinerary urn, and gilt-bronze vessels—offering a glimpse into ancient Buddhist burial traditions and immigrant clan culture.

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.

Discover the haunting beauty of Hakubyō-e ryōshi Rishukyō, a 12th-century Japanese National Treasure at Tokyo's Gotoh Museum. Learn how Emperor Go-Shirakawa's death transformed an unfinished court painting into a memorial Buddhist sutra with mysteriously blank faces.

Tokyo’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.