Mirror with Eight Ornamental Bells, 6th century. Excavated from Benzai Tumulus No. 1, Kyoto © Kyoto National Museum

Northern Kyoto Prefecture has long served as a hub of both domestic and international exchange. Comprising the Tango region and part of the Tamba region, the area is bordered by the Sea of Japan and mountains. Archaeological excavations have revealed that during the latter half of the early Jōmon period (pre-10,000–ca. 5th c. BCE), dugout canoes were used to travel across the open sea, while during the Yayoi (ca. 5th c. BCE–ca. 3rd c. CE) and Kofun (ca. 3rd c.–6th c.) periods, large tombs were constructed. The unique culture of northern Kyoto led to it being referred to as the “Tango Kingdom.” From the Heian period (794–1185) onward, the region maintained close ties with the capital yet also nurtured its own distinctive art and religious traditions, as evidenced by artifacts excavated from sutra mounds. This exhibition provides a glimpse into the rich culture of northern Kyoto through archaeological materials from the Jōmon period to the medieval era.

December 16, 2025–March 15, 2026. Archaeological Relics｜3F-2 gallery