Nara National Museum is Japan's premier museum for Buddhist art, housing an exceptional collection of statues, paintings, scrolls, and religious artifacts. The Buddhist Sculpture Hall displays nearly 100 Buddhist statues from the Asuka through Kamakura periods, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The original Western Building in Meiji-era style is itself an architectural masterpiece.
Free for under 18, over 70, and disabled visitors. Last entry 4:30pm. Special exhibitions have separate pricing
Late October - early November for the famous Shoso-in Exhibition displaying treasures from the imperial repository. Weekday mornings are quietest. Allow 2-3 hours.
faq.subtitle Nara National Museum
An annual two-week exhibition (late October - early November) displaying treasures from the imperial Shoso-in repository. Exhibits include 8th-century Silk Road objects never shown at other times. Expect long lines - early entry is best.
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