77th Shoso-in Exhibition to Showcase 67 Treasures; 6 Items Will Be Displayed at Annual Event for 1st Time
Among the treasures is 'Ruri no Tsuki' (Blue glass cup) in a vivid cobalt blue.
Many of the treasures symbolize the glamorous Tenpyo culture that flourished in eighth-century Japan.
'Ruri no Tsuki' is a glass vessel with small, ring-shaped decorations, and it is fitted with a silver base. The glass is believed to have been brought from the West, while the base is thought to have been crafted in East Asia. This treasure exemplifies the cultural exchange between the East and the West via the Silk Road.
The exhibition will feature other treasures with notable backgrounds. Among them is the 'Tenpyo Homotsu Fude' ('Tenpyo Treasure' writing brush), which is said to have been used at the consecration ceremony for the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji temple in 752. 'Ojukuko,' also known as 'Ranjatai,' is a famous piece of incense wood that has captivated many powerful people, such as the daimyo feudal lord Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582).
In principle, visitors need to buy tickets in advance, reserving a specific date and time of entry. Details regarding admission tickets will be announced in late August.
The Yomiuri Shimbun is providing special support for the annual exhibition.
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Yomiuri Shimbun
28-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
77th Shoso-in Exhibition to Showcase 67 Treasures; 6 Items Will Be Displayed at Annual Event for 1st Time
NARA — The 77th exhibition of Shoso-in treasures will be held from Oct. 25 to Nov. 10 at the Nara National Museum in Nara, the museum has announced. This year's exhibition will showcase 67 treasures from the Shoso-in repository in Nara, including six that will be displayed at the annual exhibition for the first time. Among the treasures is 'Ruri no Tsuki' (Blue glass cup) in a vivid cobalt blue. Many of the treasures symbolize the glamorous Tenpyo culture that flourished in eighth-century Japan. 'Ruri no Tsuki' is a glass vessel with small, ring-shaped decorations, and it is fitted with a silver base. The glass is believed to have been brought from the West, while the base is thought to have been crafted in East Asia. This treasure exemplifies the cultural exchange between the East and the West via the Silk Road. The exhibition will feature other treasures with notable backgrounds. Among them is the 'Tenpyo Homotsu Fude' ('Tenpyo Treasure' writing brush), which is said to have been used at the consecration ceremony for the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji temple in 752. 'Ojukuko,' also known as 'Ranjatai,' is a famous piece of incense wood that has captivated many powerful people, such as the daimyo feudal lord Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582). In principle, visitors need to buy tickets in advance, reserving a specific date and time of entry. Details regarding admission tickets will be announced in late August. The Yomiuri Shimbun is providing special support for the annual exhibition.
Tokyo Weekender
06-07-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Best Day Trips From Osaka by Train
Osaka city is one of the three spots tourists make a beeline for when visiting Japan for the first time — and for good reason. Often called 'Japan's Kitchen' for its vibrant food scene and lively atmosphere, Osaka is home to some of the country's most famous street foods, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Beyond its delicious cuisine and friendly people, though, Osaka also serves as a great home base for those looking to take day trips to destinations across the Kansai region. We've put together a list of seven of those exciting cities — read on for an introduction to each and reasons why you won't want to miss out on a day spent exploring their best sights. List of Contents: kyoto Nara Kobe Uji Minoh Himeji Kurashiki Related Posts Kenninji Temple Kyoto As the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto hardly needs an introduction, and it's likely already on your list. The most popular among day trips from Osaka, it's only 15 minutes away from the city via shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station), 30 minutes to an hour away via JR Tokaido rapid or local trains (Osaka Station to Kyoto Station) or roughly an hour away via Hankyu Railway trains (Osaka-Umeda Station to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station). Filled with stunning temples, shrines and iconic historical paths, Kyoto is a top destination for international travelers to Japan. However, the city has also seen an unprecedented level of tourism in recent years; if you decide to go, we recommend off-peak months like February and less-crowded but equally beautiful sites like Horin-ji and Gioji temples. Check out our guide to alternative Kyoto temples and shrines . the sacred deer of nara Nara Known for its sacred deer and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara city is yet another top draw for visitors — and it's less than an hour away from Osaka by JR Yamatoji Line (from Osaka Station via a rapid train) or Kintetsu Nara Line (Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station via rapid express or limited express train). As Japan's first permanent capital, Nara holds some of the country's most revered and storied cultural sites. Horyuji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine and, of course, Todaiji Temple, with its magnificent — and massive — Daibutsu (Great Buddha) are a few must-visit places. We also recommend checking out the gorgeous Nara Hotel; it's one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels, and one of its most famous, having hosted figures like Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn. The port of kobe Kobe Kobe, a sophisticated port city famous for its fine cuisine and fascinating cultural fusion, is an effortless trip from Osaka: It's less than 15 minutes away by shinkansen (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station). There are a number of other, slightly slower ways to reach Kobe-area train stations from Osaka's various stations; the Hanshin Main Line, Hankyu Kobe Main Line and JR Kobe Line will all get you from city to city in around or under 30 minutes. Explore the charming Kitano-cho district, which features historic Western-style houses and long-established caf é s like Nishimura Coffee and Freundlieb. Nearby, take in breathtaking views of the city and the bay from Nunobiki Herb Gardens, a hilltop floral paradise. At night, the waterfront views at Meriken Park and the vibrant food stalls at Nankinmachi Chinatown are a must. byodoin temple Uji In recent years, Uji has become increasingly well known around the globe as the birthplace of matcha. Located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Uji is about an hour away from Osaka via the Keihan Main Line and Uji Line (from Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi Station, transfer required at Chushojima Station). Alternatively, you can reach Uji via the JR Kyoto Line and JR Nara Line (Osaka or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Station to Uji Station). This route also takes around one hour. Although you should certainly enjoy the plethora of matcha-themed beverages, sweets and even savory foods in Uji, we also recommend immersing yourself in the city's history and nature. Uji is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple — and was a significant location in Murasaki Shikibu's literary classic, The Tale of Genji . Uji River and Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park are lush and peaceful, perfect for a sunny stroll. Check out our full guide on things to do in Uji . minoh waterfall Minoh Even though Minoh is located within Osaka Prefecture, it's a great day trip for those who want a break from central Osaka's urban atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Hokusetsu mountains in northern Osaka, Minoh is known for its rich natural beauty and peaceful residential neighborhoods. Take a 30-minute subway ride via the Midosuji Line from Namba, Shinsaibashi or Umeda Station to Minoh-Kayano Station. Minoh Waterfall is the most famous landmark of the city, and it's a stunning sight throughout the seasons, especially autumn. Another must-see is Katsuo-ji Temple: Filled with hundreds of lucky daruma dolls, the temple has a reputation for helping patrons triumph over adversity. Check out our guide on what to do in Minoh for the best sights, restaurants and more. himeji castle Himeji Himeji makes for an excellent day trip from Osaka, primarily owing to its magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. By shinkansen, you can reach Himeji Station from Shin-Osaka Station in around 30–40 minutes. You can also take a special rapid train from Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line (roughly one hour) or a direct limited express train from Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station to Sanyo Himeji Station (roughly one hour, 40 minutes). In addition to exploring Himeji Castle itself, visitors can stroll through the serene Koko-en Garden, a collection of nine traditional Japanese gardens offering picturesque landscapes. Engyoji , a mountaintop temple seen in films like The Last Samurai , is also a must-visit for history buffs. The area around the castle provides opportunities for souvenir shopping and enjoying local cuisine before heading back, making it a fulfilling and memorable excursion. kurashiki bikan Kurashiki Accessible via shinkansen in just over an hour (Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kurashiki Station), Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is a great day-trip destination for photographers, artists and fashion lovers. The city's main draw is the Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully preserved area that transports visitors back to the Edo period with its willow-lined canals, traditional white-walled warehouses ( kura ) and charming stone bridges. For a unique perspective of the city's historical architecture, enjoy a serene boat ride along the canal. The former warehouses you'll drift past now house a variety of shops and museums, including the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. Perhaps the city's most notable museum, however, is the Ohara Museum of Art — Japan's oldest private museum dedicated to Western art. Visitors can also explore Denim Street, celebrating Kurashiki's renowned denim industry, and browse for local crafts and sweets in the many boutiques and caf é s. Check out our guide to Kurashiki and our deep dive into Japanese denim . Related Posts Minoh City: An Enchanting Day Trip From Osaka With Beautiful Fall Foliage Kobe Travel Tips: Discover the City's History, Fashion, Cuisine & Nature Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Beyond Matcha: Things To Do in Uji, Japan's Tea Capital
Yomiuri Shimbun
06-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Botanical Garden Hosts Nighttime Immersive Event in Kyoto
Old & New video KYOTO — The Kyoto Botanical Gardens in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, is holding an event called 'Light Cycles Kyoto,' in which its Conservatory greenhouse is filled with sound and dynamic lights at night. The immersive event allows visitors to experience the fascination of plants at night. This is the second time the facility has held such an event. When it held a similar event from October to December last year to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the number of annual visitors in the fiscal year exceeded 900,000 for the first time in 30 years. The current event will continue for a much longer period, from May to the end of March next Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe lighting in the greenhouse makes it look like people are either standing in the light of the rising sun or the setting facility is the oldest public botanical gardens in Japan. The greenhouse has existed since its opening, but the current one, which opened in 1992, is the third generation. The greenhouse has a distinctive shape that evokes the silhouette of Kinkakuji temple reflected on a pond and the Kitayama mountain range. About 25,000 plants of about 4,500 species are displayed indoors. As the pathway is a circuit with no steps, the scenery changes in succession, allowing visitors to appreciate various forms of vegetation as they make their rounds. With biodiversity as the keyword for the event, the greenhouse is divided into four zones and suffused with light and sound. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic sights and smells of a wide variety of plants at Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Orchids & Bromeliads Garden room creates a mysterious atmosphere with sound and event is cosponsored by Kyoto Prefecture, the organizing committee and Mitsui Fudosan Co. The gardens opened a century ago thanks to donations from the Mitsui family, a wealthy merchant family. The company still has links with the family and strongly supports the significance of the current event, which aims to pass on the attraction of the botanical gardens to future Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Dry Tropics Garden room is illuminated at to organizers, the event is an attempt to show respect for nature and to examine the relationship between people and nature. Moment Factory, a company headquartered in Canada, took charge of the event's planning and production. The organizers say it intends to 'visualize the voices' of plants at night, which are different from during the daytime, and create an opportunity for the next generation to develop a deeper connection with Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerThe Conservatory greenhouse of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is illuminated at night.'I came here for the first time in about 10 years, and it felt like a fresh experience. The combination of light, sound and plants was impressive,' said a female university student in her 20s from Kita Ward, Kyoto, who attended the event with her boyfriend. Advance tickets, which can be purchased until the day before admission, cost ¥2,300 for high school students and older, and ¥1,100 for elementary and junior high school students. Same-day tickets are available at the venue but may be sold out.
