Special ExhibitionCelebrating 1250 Years Since the Birth of the Great Master KūkaiKūkai and the Treasures of Shingon Buddhism

2026-07-14 - 2026-09-06

Commemorating the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kūkai, the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism, this special exhibition brings together the finest examples of Esoteric Buddhist art under one roof. The works on display include many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, among them statues, mandalas, and ritual implements, gathered from the 18 head temples of the Shingon school. Discover the Esoteric Buddhist worldview introduced by Kūkai and be captivated by the collection of masterpieces at this must-see show for history and art enthusiasts.

Event Information

Dates and hours: July 14 – September 6, 2026

Closings
Mondays (except August 31)
*Only the special exhibition is open on August 31. The TNM Collection Exhibitions cannot be viewed on this day. Other facilities at the museum will also be closed.

Hours
9:30 – 17:00
*Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays
*Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Venues: Tokyo National Museum Heiseikan
13-9 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Fees: Adults 2,300 yen, university students 1,300 yen, high school students 900 yen
*Free admission for junior high school students and under, and persons with disabilities with one caregiver. Please present student ID or a certificate of disability when entering the museum.
*Visitors can view this exhibition without making reservations. Tickets may also be purchased at the ticket counter, but you may be asked to wait if the exhibition is crowded.
*Students who are Campus Members of the Tokyo National Museum can purchase same-day admission tickets at 1,100 yen (discount of 200 yen). Please present your Campus Member status and student ID at the ticket window.
*Visitors with tickets for this exhibition may also view the TNM Collection Exhibitions on the day of their visit at no extra charge.
*We do not allow changes to ticket types, refunds, or reissuance of tickets once they have been purchased.
*Resale of tickets for this exhibition is prohibited. Please note that the museum assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any issues arising from tickets purchased through unauthorized means.