Sanjusangendo Temple
三十三間堂
Officially Rengeo-in Temple, houses 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) in Japan's longest wooden building (120m). Built 1164, rebuilt 1266 after fire. Name means "Hall with 33 spaces" between columns. Each Kannon statue is unique - legend says you'll find face of loved one.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- 1,001 life-size gilded Kannon statues (each face unique)
- 28 guardian deity statues (National Treasures) including Hindu gods
- Wind God (Fujin) and Thunder God (Raijin) statues at hall ends
- Japan's longest wooden building (120 meters)
- Toshiya archery competition (January 15 annually)
- Main Kannon statue (Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon, 1254)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Shichijo Station (Keihan Line) - 7 minutes walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 100, 206, or 208 to Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae (10 minutes)
- 2 From Keihan Shichijo Station: 7 minute walk east
- 3 From Kyoto Station: Also walkable (20 minutes south then east)
- 4 Located near Kyoto National Museum and Chishaku-in Temple
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
34.987936 135.771912 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning for peaceful contemplation of statues. January 15 for Toshiya archery competition (plan trip around this). Indoors so good any weather.
Contact & Info
657 Sanjusangendo Mawaricho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941
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