What are the highlights of the Daitoku-ji Special Exhibition?
Daitoku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai school in Murasakino, Kyoto, and celebrates its 700th anniversary in 2026. To mark this occasion, the Heiseikan at the Tokyo National Museum has gathered temple treasures from the main temple, sub-temples, and affiliated temples of Daitoku-ji. This includes 14 National Treasures and 69 Important Cultural Properties, marking the first large-scale public exhibition in Tokyo in 41 years. The exhibition traces the history of this 'unparalleled Zen garden' over 700 years, following the footsteps of legendary monks, emperors, and warlords. On display are Muqi's 'Guanyin, Monkeys, and Crane' (early period), the National Treasure 'Yohen Tenmoku' from Ryoko-in (early period), the National Treasure 'Kizaemon Ido Tea Bowl' from Koho-an (entire period), and the first-ever public display of the main deity of the Sanmon Gate, the 'Seated Shaka Nyorai and Standing Kasyapa and Ananda'. The exhibition is divided into an early period (October 14 to November 8) and a late period (November 10 to December 6), with some items being rotated.
What can you experience at ZEN NIGHT TOKYO?
The Tokyo National Museum garden, which usually closes at 17:00, will be specially opened at night during the exhibition period. The garden on the north side of the main building centers around a pond and is dotted with five historic tea houses. After nightfall, lighting and 'brainwave music' (Neuromusic) designed to calm the brain weave together to create an immersive sound art space. You can stroll through the red maple garden and feel the world of 'Zen'. Brainwave music is designed to enhance or reduce specific brainwave frequencies, and its effects on brainwaves have been scientifically verified to bring focus and relaxation. The entry points for ZEN NIGHT TOKYO and the Daitoku-ji Special Exhibition are different; bundle tickets allow you to visit both on the same day or on separate days.
Should I choose a regular ticket or the ZEN NIGHT TOKYO bundle?
If you only want to visit the Daitoku-ji Special Exhibition, choose the 'Daitoku-ji Special Exhibition Ticket'. If you want to add a Zen-inspired night stroll through the garden to your trip, choose the 'Daitoku-ji Special Exhibition Ticket + ZEN NIGHT TOKYO Night Garden Admission' bundle, which includes both the exhibition ticket and the night garden admission. Both plans have 'Early Bird' and 'Regular' options: early bird tickets are sold before the exhibition begins, while regular tickets are sold during the exhibition; usage conditions are the same. Each ticket is valid for one-time entry per person during the exhibition period and includes free admission to the Tokyo National Museum permanent exhibition on the day of your visit.