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Special Exhibition Celebrating the 700th Anniversary of the Temple's Founding | Daitokuji: A Zen Temple Beyond Compare

  • Image of "Tea Bowl, Named “Kizaemon Ido” South Gyeongsang Province, Korea Joseon Dynasty, 16th century Collection of Kohōan Temple (National Treasure)"

    Tea Bowl, Named “Kizaemon Ido” South Gyeongsang Province, Korea Joseon Dynasty, 16th century Collection of Kohōan Temple (National Treasure)

    Upcoming

    Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Special Exhibition Galleries
    October 14, 2026 (Wed) - December 6, 2026 (Sun)

    Located in the Murasakino District of Kyoto, Daitokuji Temple is considered to be the greatest Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. It reflects the strict approach to Zen Buddhism taken by its founder, the prominent Buddhist monk Shūhō Myōchō (1282–1337), who served as the spiritual mentor for Emperors Godaigo (r. 1318–1339) and Hanazono (r. 1308–1318). The temple traces its origins to 1326, when Shūhō founded a Buddhist lecture hall. This came to be known as Daitokuji Temple, which today is complete with other Buddhist structures on its temple grounds. Emperor Godaigo reserved utmost reverence for Daitokuji, which he praised as being “a Zen temple beyond compare,” indicating its peerless position in Japan.

     
    The temple has continued to carry the torch of Shūhō’s Zen Buddhist teachings, producing leading Buddhist monks such as Ikkyū Sōjun, Takuan Sōhō, and Kōgetsu Sōgan. Famous samurai warlords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi also worshipped at the temple. Daitokuji also boasts magnificent paintings on its buildings’ sliding doors and walls, as well as numerous sub-temples with stunningly serene gardens. Furthermore, it is renowned also for its deep affinity with tea masters like Sen no Rikyū and Tsuda Sōkyū, as well as other individuals of refined tastes.
     
    2026 marks the 700th anniversary of Daitokuji’s founding. To commemorate this occasion, the Tokyo National Museum is showcasing various treasures from Daitokuji Temple, as well as its sub-temples and associated temples. With this special exhibition, the Museum endeavors to introduce Daitokuji Temple’s rich history and culture.

General Information

Some artworks may be rotated during the exhibition period. Exhibition lineup may change as circumstances require.
Period October 14–December 6, 2026
Venue Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park)
Hours 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
*Fridays and Saturdays, and November 1,2 and 22 open until 8:00 p.m.
*Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Closed Mondays (except November 2, 23, 30) and November 24
*On November 30 (Mon), the Special Exhibition Celebrating the 700th Anniversary of the Temple's Founding Daitokuji: A Zen Temple Beyond Compare will be open.
Admission

Visitors can view this exhibition without making reservations. Tickets may also be purchased at the ticket counter, but you may be asked to wait if the exhibition is crowded.

Adults: ¥2,300
University students: ¥1,300
High school students: ¥900
Junior high school students and under: Free

  • *Persons with disabilities and one caregiver of individuals with disabilities: Free admission. Please present a certificate of disabilities when entering the museum.
  • *Students who are Campus Members of the Tokyo National Museum can purchase same-day admission tickets at ¥1,100 (discount of ¥200). Please present your Campus Member status and student ID at the ticket window.
  • *Visitors with tickets for this exhibition may also view the TNM Collection Exhibitions on the day of their visit at no extra charge.
  • *On November 30 (Mon), the Special Exhibition Celebrating the 700th Anniversary of the Temple's Founding Daitokuji: A Zen Temple Beyond Compare will be open. The rest of the Museum will be closed (The TNM Collection).
Access 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park exit) and Uguisudani Station
15-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station, Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, and Tokyo Metro Nezu Station
Organizers Tokyo National Museum, Daitokuji Temple, NHK, NHK Promotions Inc., Nikkei Inc.
With the Cooperation of Omotesenke Fushin’an, Urasenke Konnichian, Mushakoji Senke Kankyuan
With the Sponsorship of OBAYASHI CORPORATION, Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd., TOPPAN Colorer Inc.
General Inquiries (+81)50-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Exhibition Website https://daitokuji2026.exhn.jp/
X @daitokuji2026

 

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