The Tale of Genji: The Brilliance of the Dynasty
Kyoto National Museum (Heisei Chishinkan Wing) · HigashiyamaKeihan 「七条」Station · about 7 min walkOpen in Google Maps ↗
The Kyoto National Museum's special exhibition 'The Tale of Genji: The Brilliance of the Dynasty' runs 6 October–29 November 2026, with exhibits rotated between the first term (6 October–1 November) and the second term (3–29 November). It assembles Genji-themed paintings, crafts, manuscripts and commentaries; the National Treasure 'Genji Monogatari Emaki' scene 'Hashihime' is shown 3–15 November only, in Kyoto only. The museum stays open until 20:00 on Fridays; general admission is ¥2,200.
Before you go
A special exhibition on The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian period. It gathers paintings and crafts depicting its scenes and motifs, alongside old manuscripts of the text, commentaries, and its spread into performing arts and popular culture.
A large-scale exhibition jointly organized by the Kyoto and Tokyo National Museums; after Kyoto it travels to the Tokyo National Museum, 19 January–14 March 2027. The Mainichi Shimbun reports it is the museum's first Genji exhibition in about 51 years, showing 144 items (6 National Treasures, 28 Important Cultural Properties).
- National Treasure 'Genji Monogatari Emaki: Hashihime' (12th c., Tokugawa Art Museum): 3–15 November only, Kyoto venue only
- All five surviving 'Teika-bon' manuscript volumes shown together for the first time in history: only during 3–15 November
- The National Treasure emaki changes scenes every two weeks (e.g. 'Yadorigi 3', 17–29 November)
- A reconstructed 'Genji Noh' stage using replica Noh costumes ('Aoi no Ue' first term, 'Tamakazura' second term)
- Getting there
- 7 minutes' walk east of Keihan Shichijo Station (official). Address: 527 Chayamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0931 (Heisei Chishinkan Wing, Kyoto National Museum). City buses 86, 206 and 208 from JR/Kintetsu Kyoto Station stop at 'Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae'.
- Booking
- Day tickets: general ¥2,200, university students ¥1,200, high school students ¥700, via the exhibition's official online ticketing (e-tix).
- Crowds
- Open until 20:00 on Fridays — an evening visit is an option.
- Good for
- Anyone interested in The Tale of Genji, classical Japanese art and Heian culture; anyone wanting to see National Treasure-level Genji works in one place.
- How it differs
- Unlike the permanent collection, this is a special exhibition built around rotating displays: to see a specific work (e.g. the National Treasure 'Hashihime'), you must time your visit to its display dates.
Is the National Treasure emaki on view the whole run?
No. Scenes rotate every two weeks; 'Hashihime' is shown 3–15 November only, and only in Kyoto.
How much are tickets?
Day tickets: general ¥2,200, university ¥1,200, high school ¥700, via the official online ticketing (e-tix).
Can I visit on Friday evening?
Yes — open until 20:00 on Fridays (entry until 19:30).
Sources 特別展「源氏物語 王朝のかがやき」展覧会公式サイト · Kyoto National Museum: exhibition highlights (official) · Official online ticketing (e-tix), Kyoto venue
- Time
- October 6-November 29, 2026 (first term to Nov 1, second from Nov 3).
- Price
- General ¥2,200, university students ¥1,200, high school students ¥700 (junior high and under free).
- Address (for taxis)
- 〒605-0931 京都府京都市東山区茶屋町527