Daitokuji Temple: 700th Anniversary Special Exhibition at Tokyo National Museum

A special exhibition commemorating the 700th anniversary of its founding, "Daitokuji Temple: The Unrivaled Zen Garden of Japan," will be held at the Tokyo National Museum, located in Ueno Park. This exhibition offers a precious opportunity to delve into the history of Daitokuji Temple, situated in the northern part of Kyoto, and the stringent Zen spirit passed down from its founder, Shuho Myocho (Daito Kokushi).

Since its establishment in 1326, Daitokuji has produced numerous eminent monks and has flourished through the devout faith of emperors, including Emperor Godaigo, samurai warlords, and tea masters. Emperor Godaigo himself praised it as "the unrivaled Zen garden of Japan," highlighting its unique brilliance. This exhibition marks the first time in 41 years that treasures, many of which are usually kept private, will be gathered in one place, and it is the first such event to be held in Tokyo.

The exhibition will showcase the temple treasures from within Daitokuji grounds, including its sub-temples and Daitokuji-sect temples, providing an in-depth look at their essence. Among the highlights is the National Treasure "Oido Chawan: Kizaemon-ido" (tea bowl).

The exhibition will take place in the Special Exhibition Room of the Heiseikan building at the Tokyo National Museum. The exhibition period is from October 14, 2026 (Wednesday) to December 6, 2026 (Sunday). Regular opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and certain specific dates. The museum is closed on Mondays, with some exceptions for specific dates. Please check the official website for detailed opening and closing dates.

Admission fees are 2,300 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for university students, and 900 yen for high school students. Advance tickets are available at a discounted price. Admission is free for junior high school students and below, as well as for individuals with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver. Advance reservations are not required, but visitors may experience waiting times during peak hours. Tickets for this exhibition also grant access to the museum's permanent collection exhibitions on the same day.

Access to the venue is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station or the South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station. It is also about a 15-minute walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines, Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line, and Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway. The venue address is 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

For more information on ticket purchases, specific opening hours, and closed days, please refer to the exhibition's official website.