Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Contrast the works of Japan's dominant culture with artefacts from its historical
minorities - the indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido, the Kirishitan (persecuted Christi-
ans of the Middle Ages) and the former Ryūkyū Empire, now Okinawa.
Garden & Teahouse
For a few weeks in spring and autumn the garden behind the Honkan, which has
five vintage teahouses, opens to the public. If you're visiting then, make time for a
stroll; otherwise you can catch a glimpse from the windows when you pass
between rooms 15 and 16 in the Honkan.
Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures
Another must-see is the Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures, which displays masks,
scrolls and gilt Buddhas from Hōryū-ji - located in Nara Prefecture, and said to be
the first Buddhist temple in Japan (founded in 607). The gallery is in a separate
building, a spare, elegant box by Taniguchi Yoshio, who also designed New York's
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
