The treasures of the Tendai Sect, including Buddhist statues, paintings, calligraphy, and crafts, including national treasures and important cultural properties, have been preserved and handed down from generation to generation in various regions of Japan. A special exhibition of these treasures will be held at the Kyoto National Museum from April 12, 2022 (Tuesday), in Kyoto, the birthplace of the Tendai sect in Japan and the home of Mount Hiei. Some of them will be on display for the first time outside the temple, while others are valuable hidden treasures that are only shown to the public once every few decades.
The exhibition consists of six chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 introduce Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect in Japan, and his disciples, while Chapter 3 tells about the spread of the faith throughout Japan. Chapters 4 and 5 introduce the deepening of the faith over time and the culture that grew up with Buddhism. By the time you finish viewing Chapter 6, which focuses on the connection to the present day, you may want to visit some of the many places of historic interest related to Tendai Buddhism that are located near the exhibition site. The exhibition does not require reservations, so you can visit anytime.