About Sanjusangendo(Temple)

Sanjusangendo (Sanjusangen-do), officially called Rengeoin Main Hall, is a Tendai Sect temple located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, built by Taira no Kiyomori in 1164 and later rebuilt in the 13th century. Its history, beautiful architecture, and the impressive group of statues of the Thousand-armed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) attract visitors to the temple.

The first and most striking feature of Sanjusangendo is its magnificent architecture. The main hall is the longest wooden structure in Japan at over 120 meters in length, and the name "sanjusangen" comes from the 33-pillar span of the building. Inside this long building, 1,001 statues of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) are enshrined, including a statue of the thousand-armed Kannon, making for a spectacular sight. The main statue of the seated Senju Kannon in the center is designated a National Treasure, and the 1,000 standing statues of Senju Kannon that surround it are designated Important Cultural Properties.

Another attraction of Sanjusangendo is its historical and cultural value. The hall is lined with statues of the Kannon produced between the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1333-1573) periods, including some attributed to Unkei and Kaikei. These groups of Buddhist statues are characterized by exquisite carving techniques and beautiful decorations, and are highly regarded as a collection of the best of Buddhist art.

Sanjusangendo is also famous for the "Passing of the Arrows" held every January. This event is a traditional archery tournament that has been held since the Edo period (1603-1867), in which many archers gather to compete for the length of the hall. This tournament is open to tourists, allowing them to see the powerful spectacle up close.

Furthermore, Sanjusangendo is surrounded by a beautiful garden where visitors can enjoy the changing nature of the four seasons. Cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall color the temple grounds, providing a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

It is easily accessible, and can be easily visited by bus or on foot from Kyoto Station. When sightseeing, it is recommended to visit the temple in conjunction with other Kyoto attractions to make your trip more fulfilling.

Sanjusangendo is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy its magnificent architecture, beautiful Buddhist statues, and historical value. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to visit Sanjusangendo and enjoy all that it has to offer.