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展 · Exhibitions

Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Radiance of the Imperial Court

特別展「源氏物語 王朝のかがやき」
WhereKyoto National Museum (Heisei Chishinkan Wing)Higashiyama · Keihan 「七条」Station · about 7 min walk
TimeFri, Oct 16All day
PricePrice to be confirmed
BookingCheck the official page
Runs Tue, Oct 6 – Sun, Nov 29 · pick a day

Kyoto National Museum (Heisei Chishinkan Wing) · HigashiyamaKeihan 「七条」Station · about 7 min walkOpen in Google Maps ↗

A major Tale of Genji exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum, the first in 51 years (6 Oct–29 Nov). The National Treasure Genji picture scroll changes scene every two weeks, and the surviving five Teika volumes are shown together for the first time (all five only 3–15 Nov). Japanese and English audio guides are available for a fee.

Before you go

The Tale of Genji, authored by Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian period, is the pinnacle of Japanese court literature. This landmark exhibition brings together national treasures, illuminated scrolls, master calligraphy and applied arts from temples and museums across Japan.

  • The National Treasure Genji scrolls rotate every two weeks: Hashihime (3–15 Nov) and Yadorigi III (17–29 Nov), exclusive to Kyoto
  • All five surviving volumes of the Teika manuscript edition are reunited for the first time — together for two weeks only (3–15 November)
  • Besides the picture scrolls, old manuscripts, album leaves and craft pieces show the world of the Tale of Genji from several angles
Programme
  1. First Half (6 Oct – 1 Nov)Includes the Wakamurasaki album leaf (Kyoto venue only) and Ishiyamadera's portrait of Murasaki Shikibu
  2. Second Half (3–29 Nov)All five Teika manuscripts together (3–15 Nov), followed by the Yadorigi III scroll (17–29 Nov)
Who is in it
  • Murasaki ShikibuAuthorHeian-period lady-in-waiting and creator of the world's first psychological novel
  • Fujiwara no TeikaScholar / PoetEarly Kamakura-period master who edited and preserved the canonical text of Genji
Getting there
Directly at the Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae city bus stop; about 7 minutes on foot east from Keihan Shichijo Station; about 20 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station.
Booking
Adults ¥2,200, university ¥1,200, high school ¥700, junior high and under free. Buy at the South Gate box office or online (check the official page).
Crowds
Weekends and 3–15 November (when all five Teika volumes are together) are busier; weekdays and Friday evenings are calmer.
Good for
Lovers of Japanese classical literature, fine art, history and fans of the Taiga drama 'Hikaru Kimi e'.
Tips
  • Open until 20:00 on Fridays (regular days close at 17:30; last entry 30 minutes before closing)
  • Closed Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
  • English and Japanese audio guides available for rent (¥700, approx. 35 min)
  • Major National Treasures rotate every two weeks — verify the exhibition checklist on the official site before your visit
Price
See official site
Address (for taxis)
〒605-0931 京都府京都市東山区茶屋町527
Updated Oct 11May have changedSource ↗ kyohaku.go.jp
Venue

Kyoto National Museum (Heisei Chishinkan Wing)

京都国立博物館 平成知新館
Same day nearby
11:30