List of National Treasures of Japan (temples)

The term "National Treasures of Japan" (国宝, kokuhō) refers to tangible cultural properties designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Japanese government as being of particularly high historical, artistic, or academic value. Within this designation, a significant number of these treasures are temples (寺, tera). This entry focuses on the temples recognized as National Treasures and aims to provide an overview of their significance.

National Treasures designation is applied to various temple structures, including main halls (金堂, kondō), pagodas (塔, tō), gates (門, mon), sutra repositories (経蔵, kyōzō), and other structures essential to the temple's function and history. The designation extends to Buddhist sculptures, paintings, calligraphies, and other artifacts housed within these temples.

The selection criteria for temples as National Treasures are rigorous. Factors considered include the building's age, architectural style, historical significance related to notable events or figures, artistic quality, preservation status, and the representativeness of its era's craftsmanship. Temples that showcase unique architectural innovations, exhibit exceptional artistry, or hold pivotal roles in Japanese religious history are prioritized.

Many of these National Treasure temples were built during periods of significant cultural exchange with other countries, particularly China and Korea. The influences from these cultures are evident in the architectural styles and artistic motifs found in the temples. Furthermore, the patronage of powerful clans and the imperial court often contributed to the grandeur and artistic excellence of these structures.

Preservation of National Treasure temples is a critical aspect of their designation. The Agency for Cultural Affairs provides support and guidance to temples in maintaining these structures and artifacts. This includes regular inspections, conservation work, and disaster prevention measures. The aim is to ensure that these irreplaceable cultural assets are preserved for future generations.

This list is not exhaustive as the designation is subject to change over time as new discoveries are made and reassessments are conducted. Detailed information about individual temples designated as National Treasures is available on the Agency for Cultural Affairs' website and in scholarly publications.