"Creatures' Paradise: Animals in Art from fhe Kyoto National Museum"

For those who aren't familiar with Japanese art, works with animal motifs may be more accessible and enjoyable to see.

This summer exhibition brings together nihonga (Japanese-style painting), artifacts, kimonos and more that feature animal motifs such as dogs, cats, rabbits, elephants and raccoons — all from the collection of the Kyoto National Museum, which houses more than 12,000 items.

The works, on display in the museum's special gallery space, are also by well-known masters, such as Sesshu, Motonobu Kano, Sotatsu Tawaraya and Juakuchu Ito, to name a few; July 16-Aug. 28.

The Kyoto National Museum; (075) 525-2473; 527 Chayamachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi; 7-min. walk east of Shichijo Station, Keihan Honsen Line. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., till 8 p.m.). ¥1,000. Closed Mon., Tue. July 19; open July 18. www.kyohaku.go.jp.