Kōdai-ji Sho Museum

Kōdai-ji Sho Museum is a small museum dedicated to the treasures and artistic heritage of Kōdai-ji Temple and its affiliated temples. Located inside the “Kyō Rakushi Nene” complex at the entrance to Kōdai-ji, the museum showcases lacquerware, paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist art, and historical objects closely connected with Nene and the Momoyama period.

The exhibitions change regularly, allowing visitors to see different temple treasures throughout the year. A visit to the museum complements a tour of Kōdai-ji by providing a deeper understanding of Nene’s life and the artistic culture of the Toyotomi era.

History

The museum was established to preserve and display the valuable cultural properties owned by Kōdai-ji Temple and its related temples. Its collection focuses on objects associated with Nene, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as masterpieces of Momoyama-period decorative arts.

Rotating exhibitions feature lacquerware, portraits, historical letters, Buddhist paintings, armor, swords, and other artifacts, offering fresh perspectives on the history of Kōdai-ji with each visit.

Highlights

Temple Treasures of Kōdai-ji

View valuable artifacts preserved by Kōdai-ji and its affiliated temples.

Momoyama Lacquer Art

Admire exquisite maki-e lacquerware and decorative objects connected with Nene and the Toyotomi family.

Rotating Special Exhibitions

Seasonal exhibitions introduce different aspects of Kōdai-ji’s history and artistic heritage.

Compact and Easy to Visit

The museum can be comfortably explored in around 30 to 40 minutes.

Perfect Addition to Kōdai-ji

Many visitors combine the museum with Kōdai-ji and Entoku-in using a combined admission ticket.

Visit Tips

The museum is best visited immediately before or after touring Kōdai-ji Temple. Seeing the temple buildings first helps bring the historical artifacts and stories of Nene to life.

Because exhibitions change regularly, it’s worth checking the current exhibition schedule before your visit. The museum is compact, making it an easy stop during a walking tour of Higashiyama.