Tokyo National Museum Special Exhibition: Explore Related Exhibits in the Main Building

The Tokyo National Museum's special exhibitions are held at the Heiseikan, showcasing valuable artifacts from both Japan and abroad on a seasonal basis. However, photography is often prohibited. On the other hand, the main building displays important artifacts related to Japanese history from its collection of 120,000 items, and sometimes features related items in conjunction with the special exhibitions. Most exhibits in the main building can be photographed. This time, I visited the exhibition 'Jingo-ji Temple: The Beginning of Kukai and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.' Photography was only allowed for the statues of Zochoten and Uchoten, but there were also Kukai-related exhibits in the main building that complemented the special exhibition. Moreover, it was less crowded, allowing for a leisurely viewing experience. Kukai joined the 18th Japanese envoy to Tang China as a monk in 803, submitting a petition for a 20-year study period and traveling to Chang'an to study under Master Huiguo. After two years of studying esoteric Buddhism, he ran out of money and returned to Japan, where he founded Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In the lineage of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, Master Huiguo is the seventh patriarch, followed by Kukai as the eighth. I only knew Kukai by name, but the more I learned, the more I realized how significantly he influenced Japanese history. It was a truly enlightening exhibition. Event Dates: Until September 8, 2024. Don't miss it. Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays Admission: 2100 yen (includes access to the Main Building, Toyokan, and Horyuji Treasures)