Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visited the Tokyo National Museum on February 6.

They took in a special exhibit on the 1150th anniversary of the founding of Daikakuji, a Kyoto temple that used to be an imperial villa of Emperor Saga during the Heian period that lasted from 794 to 1185.

On display were items including Japan's national treasures and important cultural properties that depict the history and cultures related to the temple.

The imperial family saw 17th century screen paintings titled "Peony Room" by painter Kano Sanraku featuring 18 panels lined up over a length of 22 meters.

The emperor asked about the links between the painter and the temple.

The special exhibit runs through March 16.