700th Anniversary Commemorative Special Exhibition 'Daitoku-ji: Peerless Zen Temple of Japan'

About this event

Daitoku-ji, spreading across Murasakino in Kyoto, is the foremost great temple in Rakuhoku that conveys to this day the austere Zen style of its founder, Shuho Myocho (Daito Kokushi). Since its founding in 1326, eminent monks representing each era emerged, and it developed while attracting the devotion of emperors, Sengoku warlords, and tea masters such as Sen no Rikyu. Emperor Godaigo praised Daitoku-ji as the 'Peerless Zen Temple of Japan' (Honcho Muso no Zen'en), shining as a peerless Zen temple in Japan. In 2026, marking the milestone 700th anniversary of its founding, a special exhibition will be held to introduce its history and culture by bringing together temple treasures from within Daitoku-ji, including sub-temples and Daitoku-ji branch temples. Exhibits include the National Treasure 'Guanyin, Monkeys and Crane,' the National Treasure 'O-Ido Tea Bowl Kizaemon Ido,' and the Important Cultural Property 'Dragon and Tiger.' The Sanmon gate, usually closed to the public, will be reproduced for display, and the 'Seated Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and Standing Statues of Kasyapa and Ananda' and 'Standing Statue of Sen no Rikyu' enshrined in the Sanmon gate will be shown to the public for the first time. Works conveying figures connected to the history of Daitoku-ji, such as Ikkyu Sojun, Emperor Godaigo, Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, will also be introduced, approaching the pinnacle of Zen, chanoyu (tea ceremony), and beauty. This is the first time in 41 years that Daitoku-ji's treasures are gathered in one place for an exhibition, and the first time in Tokyo.

Venue

Tokyo National Museum

13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8712