Kyoto’s hidden temples and shrines are about to open

Kyoto is often described as an open-air museum, but in reality, much of its cultural core remains behind closed doors. What many people don’t know is that the city is home to a range of non-public cultural properties such as temples, shrines and sacred spaces that are rarely, if ever, open to the public. This spring, a long-running but easily overlooked initiative offers a rare opportunity to gain access to these hidden spaces.

From March 1 to April 12, 2026, the “Kyoto Non-Public Cultural Properties Special Exhibition” returns for the first half of its two spring exhibitions, showcasing a small but carefully curated collection of cultural sites that are usually inaccessible. The program is organized by the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association and has been running since 1965 with the twin goals of sharing cultural heritage and funding its preservation through public admission.

This is a city-wide experience spread out in stages across multiple temples and shrines, rather than a single exhibition in one location. Each site is open for a limited number of days, so timing is part of the appeal; after the exhibition period, the spaces quietly return to their usual closed state. Read on to learn more about this special event and how to get involved.

All hidden cultural properties and visiting times

The first phase of the spring project includes five sites in and around Kyoto, each offering something unique, from temple gardens to revered Buddhist sculptures.

Jianren Temple Dharma Hall Dharma Hall

Xingleiyuan: Dragon on the Ceiling

exist QingrenyuanThe secondary temple of Higashiyama Kenninji Temple is newly open to the public, allowing visitors to view the meticulously maintained dry landscape gardens, temple treasures, and, most famously, the striking white dragon ceiling painting by Chinese visual artist Chen Man. The exhibition will be held from March 1st to 8th, 2026.

Pingdong Temple: Protector of Pets

Pingping Temple The Buddha statue located in Shimokyo Ward will display statues that are important cultural properties, including a standing statue of Medicine Buddha and a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Byodoji Temple is also known for its blessings and amulets that bring health and happiness to pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. The exhibition period is from March 20 to April 5, 2026.

Ishikimizu Hachimangu Shrine: A national treasure from a new perspective

Further south, Ishikimizu Hachimangu Shrine Views of the national treasure’s main hall can be enjoyed from the surrounding corridors—an angle most visitors have never experienced. The exhibition period is from March 20 to April 12, 2026.

Shinenji Temple and Kukai Kokoji Temple: Masterpieces of the Kamakura and Heian Periods

at the same time, Sinian Temple Presenting a more intimate encounter with Buddhist art, including a Kamakura-period statue of Amida Tathagata by the renowned sculptor Tamkei (1173-1256), and a rare root half ancestor (Description of Nirvana) Describes the scene of Buddha’s Nirvana. The exhibition will be held from March 21 to 31, 2026.

Completing the plan is Kukai Guangming Templevisitors can ascend the majestic gate and admire the extraordinary dragon ceiling painting and the temple’s 16 statues friends or Arhat — A saint who completed Buddhist training – dating back to the Heian period. The exhibition period is from March 21 to April 5, 2026.

Ticket prices and times

No reservation is required, and the admission fee is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for middle and high school students per venue. Each site operates on its own schedule, and admission fees directly contribute to the protection and maintenance of these cultural properties.

this Asahi Shimbunas a special supporter of the exhibition, Report The second phase will be announced in February, and specialty stores will open during the Golden Week from late April to early May.

Experience Kyoto in a different way

Kyoto’s overtourism problem Little introduction is needed. Popular areas and popular attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple are often crowded, especially during peak season. What makes this special exhibition quietly appealing is that it guides visitors to lesser-known temples and communities, away from crowded tourist areas.

If you’re planning a spring trip to Kyoto, these special openings will give you a rare opportunity to see the ancient capital in a different way: slower, quieter, and closer to the city’s living religious and artistic traditions.

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