
Overview
Famed for its spring verdure and autumn foliage, Tōfuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. It was established during the early Kamakura period on order of the imperial regent and advisor Kujō Michiie (1193–1252). Michiie entrusted the founding to Enni (Shōichi Kokushi, 1202–1280), a priest who had previously traveled to China to study Zen (Ch: Chan) Buddhism. The name "Tōfuku-ji" was taken from the first character of Tōdai-ji and the second character of Kōfuku-ji, both grand, ancient temples in Nara. Tōfuku-ji is especially known for its expansive temple precincts, boasting an array of colossal structures dating back as far as the medieval period.
This exhibition offers the rare opportunity to view a large number of Tōfuku-ji’s greatest treasures in a single venue. Notably, the legendary Buddhist painter Minchō’s Five Hundred Arhats, a set of originally fifty hanging scrolls, is being displayed in its entirety for the first time since its multiyear conservation was completed. Many of the precious cultural properties from Tōfuku-ji in this exhibition somehow survived the fires and destruction of the Ōnin War of 1467–77. These include masterpieces of Buddhist sculpture, painting, and calligraphy befitting the monumental scale of this monastic complex.
Tōfuku-ji’s history itself exemplifies the cosmopolitan culture of Zen Buddhism that blossomed through exchanges with the rest of Asia. In exploring this temple’s significance within Japanese culture, the exhibition illuminates Tōfuku-ji’s enduring appeal from its founding through the present.
Exhibitions
TOKYO
Title |
Special Exhibition: Tōfuku-ji Monumental Zen Temple of Kyoto |
Period |
March 7 (Tue) - May 7, 2023 (Sun) |
Venue |
Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park) 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712 |
Hours |
9:30-17:00
|
Closed |
Mondays
|
Organizers |
Tokyo National Museum, Tofuku-ji, The Yomiuri Shimbun, NHK, |
With the Special Sponsorship of |
Canon Inc., Daiwa Securities Group, Mitsui Fudosan Co.,Ltd., |
With the Sponsorship of |
East Japan Railway Company, SHIMIZU CORPORATION, |
With the Support of |
Live Art Books Inc. |
General Inquiries |
050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial) |

Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park)
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- 10 minutes’ walk from JR Ueno Station (Park exit) and Uguisudani Station.
- 15 minutes’ walk from Keisei Ueno Station, Tokyo Metro Ueno Station and Tokyo Metro Nezu Station.
Admissions
Adults |
2,100yen (1,900yen) |
University Students |
1,300yen (1,100yen) |
High School Students |
900yen (700yen) |
- * Prices in parentheses indicate discount ticket prices for advance purchase.
- * Free admission for junior high school students and younger. Please present proof of age when entering the museum.
- * Free admission for persons with disabilities and one caregiver of individuals with disabilities. Please present a certificate of disabilities when entering the museum. Entry is possible until 30 minutes before closing time.
- * Tickets for this exhibition can also be used to visit the general exhibitions on the same day.
- * During the exhibition there will be rotation in which some of the artworks will be replaced with other works.
KYOTO
Title |
Special Exhibition: Tōfuku-ji Monumental Zen Temple of Kyoto |
Period |
October 7–December 3, 2023 The exhibition has two installations: |
Venue |
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing 527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0931 |
Hours |
9:00–17:30
|
Closed |
Mondays
|
Organizers |
Kyoto National Museum; Tōfuku-ji; The Yomiuri Shimbun; NHK Kyoto Station; NHK Enterprises, INC. Osaka Branch Office |
With the Sponsorship of |
Iwatani Corporation; Kinden Corporation; Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.; Non-Destructive Inspection Co., Ltd. |
With the Support of |
Live Art Books |
In Conjunction with |
Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
General Inquiries |
075-525-2473 |

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Via JR, Subway or Kintetsu Railway
Get off at Kyoto Station. From bus platform D2 in front of the station, take City Bus #206 or #208 to "Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae" bus stop. - Via Keihan Railway
Get off at Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo Street for about seven minutes. - Via Hankyu Railway
Get off at Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. Walk east over the bridge to the Keihan Railway Gion-Shijo Station. Take an Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo Street for about seven minutes.