The Tale of Genji Exhibition in Kyoto

The Kyoto National Museum is hosting a special exhibition dedicated to The Tale of Genji this autumn, bringing rare literary treasures to the public. The headline loan for the event is the National Treasure Genji Monogatari Emaki, which organisers describe as the oldest surviving painting of the tale. This remarkable piece comes on loan from the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. Reports indicate that this presentation marks the museum's first major Genji exhibition in around 50 years, making it a rare cultural event for residents and travellers visiting the historic city.

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What to Expect at the Exhibition

The central highlight of the exhibition is the 12th-century scroll. Visitors attending the Kyoto venue will specifically have the chance to view the Hashihime section. However, this particular section is displayed for 13 days only, from November 3 to 15. Organisers point out that the overall exhibition dates and the dates for viewing this specific scroll are not identical, meaning careful planning is required to avoid missing the highlight.

Beyond the headline scroll, the showcase features Tosa Mitsunobu's Genji Monogatari Gachou, an album covering all 54 chapters on loan from the Arthur M. Sackler Museum at Harvard. Visitors can also view an Important Cultural Property Noh mask known as Deigan, a 17th-century piece from the Tokyo National Museum. The museum has noted that several other works will rotate during the exhibition run, moving beyond the standard first- and second-half split.

The timing aligns directly with Kyoto's autumn leaves season, a period when visitors frequently encounter queues across the city. Travellers should anticipate busy streets and plan their schedules accordingly.

Schedule and Opening Hours

The exhibition takes place from October 6 to November 29, 2026, hosted within the Heisei Chishinkan wing. Regular opening hours run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last entry permitted at 5 p.m. On Fridays, the venue offers extended hours until 8 p.m., with last entry at 7:30 p.m.

The museum remains closed on Mondays, with exceptions made for October 12 and November 23, which are public holidays. When public holidays fall on a Monday, the museum closes on the following day instead, specifically on October 13 and November 24. Furthermore, the exhibited works are divided between a first half running up to November 1 and a second half commencing on November 3.

Ticket Information for 2026

Purchasing tickets in advance offers a savings of JPY 200 compared to buying them on the day. Advance tickets are available for purchase from August 6 to October 5.

* General admission: JPY 2,200 on the day, or JPY 2,000 in advance.

* University students: JPY 1,200 on the day, or JPY 1,000 in advance.

* High school students: JPY 700 on the day, or JPY 500 in advance.

* Junior high school students and younger: Free admission.

Buying tickets ahead of time takes about a minute and secures a lower price.

Practical Tips

* Location: The exhibition is held at the Kyoto National Museum located in Higashiyama.

* Touring Schedule: If visitors miss the Kyoto run, the exhibition will travel to the Tokyo National Museum, opening on January 19, 2027.

* Policy Notice: Dates, opening hours, and prices remain subject to change. Organisers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always verify details on the official website before heading to the venue.

Source (original URL)

https://japancheapo.com/events/the-tale-of-genji-exhibition-at-kyoto-national-museum