Art exhibition in Kyoto
Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Splendor of the Imperial Court at Kyoto National Museum
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. A major rotation of exhibits takes place on November 3. The National Treasure Tale of Genji Scrolls will be displayed during different periods depending on the scenes.
- Dates
- Oct 6 (Tue) – Nov 29 (Sun)
- Hours
- 09:00 – 17:30
- Venue
- Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing
- Nearest station
- Shichijo
- Admission
- Adults ¥2,200; university students ¥1,200; high school students ¥700; junior high school students and younger free
About this event
For the first time ever, all five surviving volumes of the Teika manuscript tradition of The Tale of Genji are brought together. This exhibition explores the celebrated novel by Murasaki Shikibu through manuscripts, painted scrolls and decorative arts. Highlights include two scenes from the National Treasure Illustrated Scroll of The Tale of Genji, Hashihime and Yadorigi III, on loan from the Tokugawa Art Museum and shown exclusively in Kyoto. Visitors can compare the texts associated with Fujiwara no Teika with artworks that brought the story to life visually. It is a rare opportunity to see how one of Japan's greatest literary works inspired generations of artists.
Highlights
- All five surviving Teika manuscript volumes together for the first time, November 3–15.
- National Treasure Hashihime scroll scene, on display November 3–15.
- National Treasure Yadorigi III scroll scene, on display November 17–29.
- Compare handwritten manuscripts with pictorial interpretations of Genji.
- Good for
- For lovers of Japanese literature, classical painting and Heian-period culture.
Good to know before you go
- Major works rotate during the exhibition. Check the display dates before visiting.
- University and high school students must show student ID. Proof of eligibility is required for free admission.
- Some works change outside the main early and late exhibition periods.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy do different versions of The Tale of Genji survive?
The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, follows the romantic relationships and lives of people at the imperial court, particularly the nobleman Hikaru Genji. Its survival across the centuries depended on handwritten copies that passed from one generation to another.
Before books could be mass-produced through printing, manuscripts were copied by hand. This process preserved literary works but could also introduce omissions, changes and copying mistakes. Different textual traditions emerged, making the study of old manuscripts essential to understanding the novel's history.
Among the most important is the Teika manuscript tradition, associated with Fujiwara no Teika. This exhibition brings together all five surviving volumes for the first time. These manuscripts show that a literary masterpiece is not merely a collection of words but also a physical cultural treasure.
The story also inspired magnificent illustrated scrolls. The National Treasure Illustrated Scroll of The Tale of Genji transforms literary scenes into paintings that communicate emotions through composition, colour and delicate lines. That is why the handwritten Teika manuscripts and the National Treasure scroll should be appreciated together.
Sources: Kyoto National Museum — Exhibition overview and highlights (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Splendor of the Imperial Court at Kyoto National Museum?
- For the first time ever, all five surviving volumes of the Teika manuscript tradition of The Tale of Genji are brought together. This exhibition explores the celebrated novel by Murasaki Shikibu through manuscripts, painted scrolls and decorative arts. Highlights include two scenes from the National Treasure Illustrated Scroll of The Tale of Genji, Hashihime and Yadorigi III, on loan from the Tokugawa Art Museum and shown exclusively in Kyoto. Visitors can compare the texts associated with Fujiwara no Teika with artworks that brought the story to life visually. It is a rare opportunity to see how one of Japan's greatest literary works inspired generations of artists.
- When is Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Splendor of the Imperial Court at Kyoto National Museum?
- From Oct 6 (Tue) to Nov 29 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 09:00 – 17:30
- How much does it cost?
- Adults ¥2,200; university students ¥1,200; high school students ¥700; junior high school students and younger free
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing. The nearest station is Shichijo.
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