Experience a Timeless Sanctuary of Prayer: “Unkei: A Space of Prayer – Kita‑En‑dō Hall of Kōfuku‑ji Temple”
Sep 09, 2025 at 9:30am ~ Nov 30, 2025 at 5:00pm
Step into the spiritual aura of Kōfuku‑ji’s Kita‑En‑dō Hall this autumn, as Tokyo National Museum presents Unkei: A Space of Prayer – Kita‑En‑dō Hall of Kōfuku‑ji Temple. Celebrating the recently restored masterpiece of the Maitreya Buddha (Miroku Nyorai), flanked by the bodhisattvas Mujaku and Sesshin–Unkei’s late-career marvels–this rare exhibit brings together seven awe-inspiring National Treasure statues in a faithful reconstruction of the Kamakura-period inner sanctum.
Built in 721, Kita‑En‑dō Hall stands as Japan’s most elegant octagonal worship space. It offers an intimate glimpse into Unkei’s devotional world and the Kei school’s revitalization of Buddhist sculptural realism.
This is the first opportunity in over 60 years to see these priceless sculptures outside Nara, recreated here to evoke the solemn atmosphere of its original setting.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 am-5 pm. For admission fees and advance ticket sales, check the museum site.
Information
Start: Sep 9th 2025 at 9:30am
End: Nov 30th 2025 at 5:00pm
Tokyo National Museum
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku
￥See museum site
