Travel Kyoto Spring exhibition to show rare cultural treasures

[thomas]

Kyoto is set to unveil its hidden gems during a spring exhibition. From 27 April to 12 May, cultural treasures typically shielded from public view will be showcased across this ancient city and beyond. The Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association organises the event, with The Asahi Shimbun as a special sponsor.

Here are some highlights of what you can expect during this captivating exhibition:

1. Rozanji Temple: Located in Kamigyo Ward, this temple was once the residence of Murasaki Shikibu, the noblewoman who penned the world's first novel, "The Tale of Genji." Along with other precious artefacts, it houses Edo Period paintings depicting scenes from this 11th-century masterpiece.
2. Rokuo-in Temple: Situated in Ukyo Ward, this temple, founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu , the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate , will reveal its meticulously renovated Shariden hall after two and a half years of restoration.
3. Hokyo-in and Joshoji Temple: These temples, also in Ukyo Ward and Kita Ward, respectively, are participating in the exhibition for the first time. Their inclusion promises fresh insights into Kyoto's cultural heritage.
4. Other participating locations include:
   • Kamigamojinja Shrine and the Umetsuji Family Residence in Kita Ward
   • Matsunoo Taisha Shrine in Nishikyo Ward
   • Shimogamojinja Shrine and Konkai Komyoji Temple's Sanmon Gate in Sakyo Ward
   • Chion-in Temple's Ohojo and Kohojo Guesthouses in Higashiyama Ward
   • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Fushimi Ward
   • Zuishin-in Temple in Yamashina Ward
   • Toji Temple's Five-Story Pagoda in Minami Ward
   • Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Hachiman , also within Kyoto Prefecture
   • Urashimajinja Shrine in Ine will be open on weekends between 11 May and 16 June, except on 18 May.

Admission fees vary by location, with adults paying 1,000 JPY (USD 6.80) and junior and senior high school students paying 500 JPY. The proceeds from this exhibition will contribute to the repair and preservation of these invaluable cultural properties.

Spring exhibition to reveal rarely shown cultural treasures | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

If only I still lived in Japan....
Anyone who can make it really should, IMHO. It's for a good cause, and who knows when you'll get another chance to see these things.