The Ancient Mexico Exhibition Was Amazing Too!
My main reason for heading to the Tokyo National Museum was to see the Ancient Mexico exhibition. Many of the exhibits were super interesting, with their mysterious shapes, the meaning behind their eerie ritual tools, and Mayan scripts – there was just so much to see and enjoy! However, as you’d expect, it was super crowded, and I didn’t have enough time to queue up and thoroughly examine every single exhibit, so I missed a few things. Honestly, the huge crowds also left me feeling pretty exhausted.
The Vast Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is truly vast. Besides the Heiseikan, where the Ancient Mexico exhibition was held this time, there’s the Honkan (Main Building) with the Japanese Gallery, the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) with various Asian exhibits (which is also fantastic!), and the Horyuji Treasure Gallery, which I really want to highlight, plus the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Hyokeikan. While special exhibitions are held on the 2nd floor of the Heiseikan, the 1st floor has permanent archaeological exhibits like Japanese Haniwa. It’s definitely not a place you can explore in just one day!
Horyuji Treasure Gallery – The Architecture Catches Your Eye First
After you enter the Tokyo National Museum and take a left, you’ll eventually spot this building. It’s a modern structure, quite different from what you might imagine from the name “Horyuji Treasure Gallery.” There were hardly any people, almost as if the hustle and bustle of the Mexico exhibition was a lie. Just seeing this building, which beautifully harmonizes with nature, makes it worth the trip.
A Plethora of Bronze Buddhist Statues
Passing through the brilliantly lit entrance, you step into the exhibition room, and it instantly becomes dark. There, numerous Buddhist statues are neatly displayed, creating a feeling that makes you straighten your back… From the moment you see the building, to the radiant entrance, and then suddenly being greeted by many statues in a dark room – this dramatic flow is truly magnificent. And with hardly anyone else around, you can’t help but feel completely overwhelmed.
What really caught my eye here was this statue of Queen Maya and Celestial Beings. Their expressions and robust physiques made me feel like they might just start moving if I stared long enough.
Gigaku Masks Showing Unique Expressions
In ancient Japan, there was a masked dance-drama called Gigaku, and the masks used for it are called Gigaku masks. These were incredibly expressive, some even a little spooky, which made them quite fascinating.
I just couldn’t take my eyes off this mask.
Numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
Many of the exhibits on display are Important Cultural Properties, and quite a few of them are even National Treasures! Usually, to see a National Treasure, you’d expect to find it at a specific exhibition, barely visible amidst huge crowds. But here, you can take your time and admire them from various angles.
The Horyuji Treasure Gallery is structured with a 1st floor, a 2nd floor, and a mezzanine where the Digital Horyuji exhibition is held. It’s not a huge exhibition space, and even on weekends, there are only a few people, so if you’re interested, you can really take your time and enjoy the exhibits. Personally, I highly recommend it!
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