Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon Buddhism

"Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon Buddhism" commemorates the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi Kukai. It runs until 6 September in the Heiseikan Special Exhibition Galleries.

Kukai (774–835) was a seminal figure in bringing esoteric Buddhism to Japan and the founding patriarch of the Shingon school. To mark the anniversary of his birth in 2023, the exhibition has been jointly organised by the eighteen head temples of the Shingon sects, together with affiliated temples, bringing together 88 works from their collections — including 15 National Treasures and 60 Important Cultural Properties.

The exhibition features treasures connected to the Latter Seven Days Ritual, said to be the most important ceremony in the Shingon school, as well as a special showing of nine secret statues (11 figures in total) from temples across Japan that are normally kept out of public view. Through masterworks of Buddhist art and esoteric imagery connected to Kukai, the exhibition traces how his teachings spread throughout Japan and were preserved by his followers over more than 1,200 years, exploring his legacy through four themes: Kukai himself, the Latter Seven Days Ritual, the eighteen head temples, and secret statues.

Highlights include the Illustrated Origins of Shigisan Temple (Chogosonshiji Temple, Nara Prefecture); the National Treasure The Twelve Devas (Saidaiji Temple, Nara Prefecture); the Important Cultural Property depicting the Bodhisattva Kannon together with the devas Bonten and Taishakuten, known as the "Futama Kannon" (Kyoo Gokokuji Temple/Toji, Kyoto); a statue of Kukai himself (Kongobuji Temple, Wakayama Prefecture); the Important Cultural Property Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva Kannon (Kanbodaiji Temple, Mie Prefecture); and the Important Cultural Property Bodhisattva Nyoirin Kannon (Daimonji Temple, Osaka). Some works are subject to rotation and will not be on view for the full run of the exhibition.

A Japanese-language audio guide features the singer MISIA as exhibition navigator, with narration by voice actor Akio Otsuka, introducing treasures gathered from the eighteen head temples of Shingon Buddhism. Rental costs 700 yen per unit; an app version, "Kiku Bijutsu" (iOS/Android), is available for 800 yen.

A range of original and collaboration merchandise will be sold at a special shop within the venue.

Ticket information

A combination ticket covering both this exhibition and "The British Museum's Japanese Art Collection" at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will go on sale from 25 July to 31 August 2026, priced at 4,400 yen (tax included, limited quantity). The two exhibitions may also be visited on different days. Tickets will be available via ARTPASS, 7-Ticket, Lawson Ticket, and e-plus.