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Namu Amida Butsu – Homage to Amida Buddha”

－The 300th Memorial for the Buddhist Priest Yuten and the 200th Memorial for the Buddhist Priest Tokuhon Since their Demise－

“Namu Amida Butsu.”
It is believed that anyone chanting this honorary phrase which exalts the Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) will be guided to the Buddhist Pure Land.

Acts of worship of Amida Nyorai became more varied and prevalent amongst the common people during the Edo period. Followers chanted a sutra for those who had passed away both at funeral and periodical memorial ceremonies. In addition, it was also strongly believed that chanting the sutra could rid one of illnesses and misfortunes as well as offer protection from bad omens.

This special exhibition features two Buddhist priests, Yuten and Tokuhon, both of whom greatly contributed to the prevailing practice and belief in sutra chanting nationwide. This year, 2017, marks the 300th year since Yuten’s passing and the 200th year since Tokuhon’s. To commemorate their attainments, special events and exhibitions are expected to be held in many places, respectively dedicated to one or other of these great priests. The present exhibition at Byodoin Temple offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about both priests together in one place.

The exhibition showcases a variety of valuable articles and items related to Yuten and Tokuhon which will offer visitors a rare insight to the profound world of “Namu Amida Butsu.”

Exhibition period : June 24th (Sat.) to October 6th (Fri.), 2017 Open every day during the special exhibition period.
Hours : 9:00-17:00 (Hoshokan)
Admission : Included in the admission fee of Byodoin Temple.
Adults: 600 yen, Junior High or High School Students: 400 yen, Elementary School Students: 300 yen
Hosted by : Byodoin Temple
Venue : Byodoin Museum Hoshokan (116 Uji Renge, Uji, Kyoto)


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Japanese mounting articles, such as sliding doors, folding screens and partitions, have been essential furniture items since olden times in the large residences of aristocrats, temples and shrines in order to separate a room and to prevent things being shown to others. They were not only used as partitions in the room but were cherished as an important method to change the atmosphere of the room and adorn it with beautiful paintings depicting natural sceneries and auspicious motifs.

Recently, Byodoin Temple finished restoring a decorative partition which was made following the classical Ming Dynasty style in China. In the restoration process, it was revealed that a special lacquer technique called Ginsen (pigment using real silver) was employed for fringing the outline of the clouds. The costume of the philosopher is decorated with colored lacquer and fine carving patterns while the uneven surface of the large pine tree trunk is represented by a gorgeous mother-of-pearl inlay. The extraordinary craftsmanship in those days all come together on this partition.

Another highlight of this exhibition is that a large folding screen depicting the boundary area separating Rakuchu (central Kyoto) and Rakugai (out of Kyoto), stretching from the Uji and Fushimi region to the Higashiyama region, will be exhibited for the first time. This is such a valuable historical article since the wooden frames of the Kita-daimon Gate of Byodoin Temple which burnt down in a fire in 1698 is included.

Experience this splendid world adorned with a variety of Japanese mounting articles and feel the essence of classical Japanese architecture.

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Past Special Exhibitions