
Overview
Famed for its spring verdure and rich autumn colors, Tōfuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s representative Zen temples. It was established during the early Kamakura period on the orders of the imperial regent and advisor Kujō Michiie. He entrusted the founding to Enni (Shōichi Kokushi), a priest who had previously travelled to China to study Zen (Ch.Chan) Buddhism. The name "Tōfuku-ji" was taken from the first character of Tō-ji and the second character of Kōfuku-ji, two temples in Nara.
Also known as the "Tōfuku no Garanzura", the temple complex creates a striking impression with its vast array of huge medieval-style buildings. This exhibition marks the first chance to view the temple’s many treasures in one place. The legendary Buddhist painter Minchō’s Five Hundred Arhats will be displayed in its entirety for the first time since the completion of restoration work, for example. It will be joined by a number of precious cultural properties that somehow survived destruction during Ōnin War of 1467-77. The exhibition also showcases several masterpieces of painting and calligraphy as well as Buddhist sculptures whose monumental size chimes well with the temple’s vastness. While tracing the temple’s history since its founding, the exhibition presents a board overview of the Zen culture that bloomed through exchanges with the rest of Asia. It also explores Tōfuku-ji’s enduring appeal and its significance to Japanese culture.
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 (Sat.) – December 3, 2023 (Sun.) |
Venue |
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing 527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0931 |
Organizers |
Kyoto National Museum, Tōfuku-ji, The Yomiuri Shimbun, NHK Kyoto Station, NHK Enterprises, INC. Osaka Branch Office |
With the Support of |
Live Art Books |
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 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 Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo Street abouts seven minuites.