Photo/Illutration A painting of a scene from “The Tale of Genji” housed at Rozanji temple in Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward (Provided by the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association)

KYOTO--Cultural treasures usually kept from public view will go on display across this historic city and elsewhere as part of a spring exhibition from April 27 to May 12.

The event is hosted by the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association, and The Asahi Shimbun is a special sponsor.

There may be slight differences in schedules at individual facilities.

On display at Rozanji temple in Kamigyo Ward, the site of the residence of Murasaki Shikibu, a Heian Period (794-1185) noblewoman who wrote “The Tale of Genji,” are paintings created in the Edo Period (1603-1867) that depict scenes from the 11th-century novel, as well as other treasures.

Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) is currently airing “Dear Radiance,” an annual yearlong historical drama series based on the revered author’s life.

“The Tale of Genji” is an epic work that is often regarded as the world’s first novel. 

Rokuo-in temple in Ukyo Ward, which was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, will unveil its Shariden hall that underwent a thorough renovation lasting two and a half years.

Hokyo-in in Ukyo Ward, the family temple of the second shogun Ashikaga Yoshiakira, and Joshoji temple in Kita Ward, which served as a training site for the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, will join the event for the first time.

The other facilities taking part in the exhibition are: Kamigamojinja shrine and the Umetsuji family residence in Kita Ward; Matsunoo Taisha shrine in Nishikyo Ward; Shimogamojinja shrine and Konkai Komyoji temple’s Sanmon gate in Sakyo Ward; Chion-in temple’s Ohojo and Kohojo guesthouses in Higashiyama Ward; Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Fushimi Ward; Zuishin-in temple in Yamashina Ward; Toji temple’s five-story pagoda in Minami Ward; and Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine in Hachiman also in Kyoto Prefecture.

Urashimajinja shrine in Ine in the prefecture will be open to the public only on weekends between May 11 and June 16, except on May 18.

Admission to view the exhibits will cost 1,000 yen ($6.80) for adults and 500 yen for junior and senior high school students per location. The fees are different at some locations.

Revenue from the exhibition will be used to repair and preserve cultural properties.

For details, visit the association’s official website at (http://www.kobunka.com/tokubetsu/index.html).

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