2026.10.06 — 2026.11.29 · Happening now
The Tale of Genji: Splendor of the Imperial Court — Special Exhibition, Kyoto
The Kyoto National Museum holds the special exhibition The Tale of Genji: Splendor of the Imperial Court from 6 October to 29 November, bringing scrolls, manuscripts, crafts and Noh together in the Heisei Chishinkan. The National Treasure Tale of Genji Scrolls change scene every two weeks; Hashihime (3–15 November) and Yadorigi III (17–29 November) are shown only in Kyoto, and the five surviving volumes of the Teika manuscript are together only from 3 to 15 November. Restored Noh costumes show Aoi no Ue in the first period and Tamakazura in the second.
The National Treasure Tale of Genji Scrolls change scene every two weeks: Hashihime is shown 3–15 November and Yadorigi III 17–29 November, both only in Kyoto.
Painted around 1130, they are the oldest surviving Genji scrolls, and Hashihime opens the Uji chapters. Pick the right fortnight to see the scene you want.
The five surviving volumes of the Teika manuscript are shown together only from 3 to 15 November.
Comparing early manuscripts shows how the story was shortened and rewritten as it was copied over generations.
Restored Noh costumes are on show too: Aoi no Ue in the first period, Tamakazura in the second, showing how Genji reached the Noh stage.
The same story is told in pictures by the scrolls, in words by the manuscripts and in movement by Noh.
Checked · 2026-10-03
The National Treasure scrolls change scene every two weeks: Hashihime only 3–15 November, Yadorigi III only 17–29 November.
Closed Mondays (open 12 October and 23 November) and on 13 October and 24 November.
Popular weeks get busy; Fridays open until 8pm.
Museum galleries have no fixed seats, so no seating plan is needed; follow the route on site.
Open official guide ↗6 October to 29 November 2026; 9am–5:30pm (last entry 5pm), Fridays 9am–8pm (last entry 7:30pm). Closed Mondays (open 12 October and 23 November) and on 13 October and 24 November.
Asia/TokyoThe Kyoto National Museum is at 527 Chaya-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
Enter with a ticket for the day; the National Treasure scrolls change scene every two weeks, so check the dates for the scene you want.
Adults JPY 2,200
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Tokugawa Art Museum (Wikimedia Commons) · Public domain Image source
Kyoto National Museum
National Treasure Tale of Genji Scroll, Hashihime (about 1130, Tokugawa Art Museum); shown 3–15 November.
Information checked on 2026-10-03
Suggest a correction ↗Each spring, photography fills Kyoto’s townhouses, temples and museums; the 2027 edition opens on 17 April.
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