Juko-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, exhibits National Treasure paintings by master painter Kano Eitoku.

Daitoku-ji Temple is the largest temple in northern Kyoto and a key site for the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

This exhibition features 46 National Treasure sliding-door paintings by the master painter Kano Eitoku and his father, Kano Shoei. This is a rare public presentation and is open to the public for the first time in 3.5 years. The Shoin (drawing room) will also feature the fusuma painting “Waterfall” by Japanese contemporary artist Hiroshi Senju.

The temple is known as the family temple of Sen no Rikyu, a tea master.

Eitoku’s paintings are dynamic and magnificent, despite being in a Zen temple. I felt his creative and artistic talent. However, the mineral-pigment colors have faded due to humidity, oxidation, and deterioration of the glue and Japanese washi paper. On top of that, they were created more than 450 years ago. The original colors must have been brighter and more vivid.

*The national Treasure wall painting are high-resolution replica.

In contrast, the blue color of “Waterfall” by Hiroshi Senju vividly stands out in the Shoin room. They were created with modern preservation technology and glue control to keep them in good condition.

Unfortunately, photo-taking is not allowed at the temple. But it was a valuable experience to appreciate both the National Treasure sliding-door paintings and the modern painting “Waterfall.”

We often separate contemporary art and traditional art, but in Japan they are connected. Hiroshi Senju uses mineral pigments just as Kano Eitoku did more than 400 years ago.

In addition, Zuihou-in, a subtemple of Daitok-uji, holds a group exhibition. Mitsumasa Kadota is a popular, emerging contemporary artist and one of my favorites. Seven of his works were on display.

Art transcends time and space and is loved across generations.

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• Dates: September 18 (Friday) – December 6 (Sunday), 2026
• Viewing Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (last admission)
• Location: Daitokuji Temple (There are several sub-temples in the Daitokuji precinct. I visited Juko-in, Soken-in, Ryugen-in, and Zuihou-in.)

November 8, 2026