Japan 's most famous tale .
Some say the world 's first novel , The Tale of Genji was penned by Murasaki Shikibu while performing as a lady - in - waiting in Heian - kyo .
Japan 's most famous tale , and some say the world 's first novel , The Tale of Genji was penned by Murasaki Shikibu while performing as a lady - in - waiting in Heian - kyo .