Sanjusangen-do Temple

Sanjusangen-do, formally known as Rengeo-in, is one of Kyoto’s most extraordinary temples and home to one of Japan’s greatest collections of Buddhist sculpture. The temple is famous for its remarkably long wooden hall—stretching approximately 120 meters (394 feet)—and its breathtaking display of 1,001 statues of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara).

Stepping inside the Main Hall is an unforgettable experience. At the center sits the principal seated image of Senju Kannon, surrounded by one thousand life-sized standing statues arranged in perfectly ordered rows. Together, they create one of the most awe-inspiring religious interiors in Japan.

History

Sanjusangen-do was originally founded in 1164 by Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, with construction carried out under the patronage of the powerful statesman Taira no Kiyomori. After the original building was destroyed by fire in 1249, the present Main Hall was reconstructed in 1266 and has survived ever since.

The temple’s popular name, Sanjusangen-do, means “Hall of Thirty-three Bays,” referring to the thirty-three spaces between the building’s support columns. The hall houses magnificent sculptures created by master Buddhist sculptors of the Kamakura period, including artists associated with Tankei and the Kei school. The temple also became famous during the Edo period as the venue for the legendary Toshiya archery competitions.

Highlights

1,001 Statues of Senju Kannon

Marvel at one of the world’s greatest collections of Buddhist sculpture arranged in spectacular symmetrical rows.

Japan’s Longest Historic Wooden Hall

Walk through the approximately 120-meter-long Main Hall, one of Japan’s finest examples of medieval temple architecture.

Guardian Deities

Admire the expressive statues of the Twenty-eight Guardian Deities, as well as the impressive Wind and Thunder Gods.

Historic Toshiya Archery Tradition

Learn about the famous long-distance archery contests once held beside the temple during the Edo period.

National Treasure

Both the Main Hall and its extraordinary collection of Buddhist statues are designated National Treasures of Japan.

Visit Tips

Photography is not permitted inside the Main Hall, so take time to quietly appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of the 1,001 Kannon statues. Many visitors enjoy observing the subtle differences in each statue’s facial expression and posture.

Sanjusangen-do is directly opposite the Kyoto National Museum and is easily combined with Chishaku-in Temple, Toyokuni Shrine, and Hoko-ji Temple for a rewarding day exploring Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.