Exhibition 'Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shogoin' to be Held Coinciding with Shogoin's Autumn Special Opening

The Shogoin Monzeki (located at 15 Shogoin Nakamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto) will hold its autumn special opening on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from October 10 to December 6, 2026.

Along with the annual viewing of the Shinden (normally closed to the public), which features over 120 gold-leaf screen paintings by the Kano school, the temple will host the 'Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shogoin' exhibition as a collaborative project for the 400th Anniversary of the Kanei Imperial Visit.

This exhibition will feature the study (an Important Cultural Property), said to have been designed by Emperor Go-Mizunoo, as well as calligraphy and scrolls by the Emperor himself. Additionally, works by Kano Tan'yu, an artist of the 'Kanei Culture' nurtured in Emperor Go-Mizunoo's salon, such as the 'Kishu Tomogashima Scroll' and 'Shaka Sanzon Zu,' will be displayed, illustrating the connection between Shogoin—a temple for yamabushi ascetics—and Kanei culture.

About Shogoin: Shogoin is the head temple of the Honzan Shugen sect, founded by En no Gyoja. Its origins date back to 1090 when it was granted to Dai-sojo Zo-yo, who served as the guardian monk for Emperor Shirakawa's Kumano pilgrimage. It became the first Shugendo organization in Japan. As a Miya-Monzeki, starting with the 4th head priest Prince Shoko, 25 out of 37 head priests until the Meiji Restoration were from the Imperial family, with members of the Imperial family and regent families serving as head priests for generations. It is a prestigious temple registered as the only 'Former Temporary Imperial Palace' historical site in Japan, having served as a temporary palace for Emperor Kokaku after the Imperial Palace burned down during the Great Tenmei Fire.

About the Study: The interior decoration of the study is said to have been influenced by Emperor Go-Mizunoo, featuring sophisticated designs that remain modern today. The transom is particularly notable for its modern style, serving as a testament to the Emperor's aesthetic sense.