About Sanjusangen-do Temple
Sanjusangen-do Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Its official name is “Rengeo-in Hondo,” and it is positioned as an outlying Buddhist hall of Myoho-in Temple.
Its most striking feature is the magnificent sight of 1,001 life-sized standing statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon neatly arranged inside the main hall. With the National Treasure seated statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon at the center, 500 statues are placed on each side, totaling 1,000 standing statues arranged in 10 rows of 50 columns. Its scale and impact are unparalleled.
The building’s name derives from the 33 bays between the pillars. The long, narrow main hall, stretching approximately 120 meters from north to south, boasts one of the longest wooden structures in the world and is designated a National Treasure.
History and Origin
Sanjusangen-do Temple was built in 1164 (Chōkan 2) by Taira no Kiyomori, who served as the construction magistrate, at the request of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1249 (Kenchō 1), but it was rebuilt in 1266 (Bun’ei 3), and the current main hall is the surviving example of this Kamakura period architecture.
The number “33” is based on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, which states that Kannon Bodhisattva transforms into 33 forms to save sentient beings. During the Edo period, it was also famous as a venue for archery competitions called “Tōshiya,” where a traditional event of shooting arrows under the eaves on the west side of the main hall was held. This tradition continues today in January as the “Ōteki Taikai” (Grand Archery Competition).
Points to Note During Your Visit
1,001 Standing Statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon
The 1,001 standing statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon enshrined inside the main hall were created between the Heian and Kamakura periods. The central principal image, a seated statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon (National Treasure, created by Tankei), is approximately 335 cm tall, while the standing statues on either side are approximately 170 cm tall each, all made of cypress wood using the joined-wood technique.
Each statue has a different expression, and there is a legend that “you will surely find a Kannon statue that resembles the face of someone you wish to meet.” We recommend taking your time to observe them carefully during your visit. Photography is prohibited, so please imprint the image in your memory.
Statues of the Wind God and Thunder God and the Twenty-Eight Attendants
In front of the standing statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon are the National Treasure “Statues of the Wind God and Thunder God.” This statue, the prototype for the famous Fujin and Raijin (Wind God and Thunder God) depicted in Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s screen paintings, is a highlight, showcasing its dynamic and vibrant form.
Furthermore, the “Twenty-Eight Attendant Statues” (National Treasure), guarding the Thousand-Armed Kannon, are a must-see. These 28 statues, depicting gods and warriors of Indian origin, each possess a unique expression and posture, and are highly regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist art.
The Beauty of the Main Hall Architecture
The main hall, approximately 120m north-south, 22m east-west, and 16m high, is a masterpiece showcasing the pinnacle of wooden architecture. The interior is a vast, column-free space, designed to allow a panoramic view of all 1,001 Buddha statues. Pay attention to the ceiling structure and the ingenuity used to support the massive building.
Benefits
The Thousand-Armed Kannon of Sanjūsangen-dō is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Fulfillment of all wishes: The merits of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, said to save all sentient beings with a thousand hands.
- Headache relief: Originating from the temple’s construction in prayer for the recovery of Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s headaches.
- Healing of eye diseases: Praying for eye health by gazing intently at the Kannon statue.
- Protection from evil and good fortune: Protection by the Twenty-Eight Attendants.
- Improvement in archery: Praying for improvement in archery and martial arts, stemming from the tradition of long-distance archery.
Especially for those suffering from headaches, a “Headache Relief Amulet” is available.
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours
- April 1st – November 15th: 8:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- November 16th – March 31st: 9:00 – 16:00 (Last entry 15:30)
- Open all year round
Admission Fee
- General: 600 yen
- Junior and Senior High School Students: 400 yen
- Elementary School Students: 300 yen
Estimated Time Required
If you wish to thoroughly explore the main hall, please allow approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Access
Access by Train and Bus
- Keihan Railway: Get off at “Shichijo Station” and walk east for approximately 7 minutes.
- From JR Kyoto Station: Take city bus routes 100, 206, or 208 and get off at “Museum Sanjusangen-do Mae” (immediately adjacent), or get off at Shichijo Station and walk for 7 minutes.
- Hankyu Railway: From “Kawaramachi Station,” take city bus route 207 and get off at “Museum Sanjusangen-do Mae” (immediately adjacent).
Access by Car
Approximately 20 minutes from the Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Minami IC”. There is a paid parking lot on the temple grounds (50 regular cars, 20 buses). During peak tourist season, it can get crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The following tourist attractions are within walking distance of Sanjusangen-do Temple.
- Kyoto National Museum (1 minute walk): Houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties.
- Chishaku-in Temple (5 minute walk): Famous for its screen paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (15 minute walk): A representative World Heritage Site of Kyoto.
- Toyokuni Shrine (5 minute walk): A shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
This location is ideal as a starting point for visiting temples and shrines in the Higashiyama area, allowing for efficient sightseeing.
Notes for Visitors
- Photography is prohibited inside the main hall.
- Shoes are removed before entering, so easy-to-remove shoes are recommended.
- The main hall can get cold in winter, so please dress warmly.
- It gets crowded during the “Oteki Taikai” in mid-January and during the special viewing periods in spring and autumn.
- Please observe quietly and refrain from touching the Buddha statues.
