Sanjūsangendō Temple, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Discover the mesmerizing Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto, home to 1,001 Kannon statues and Japan's longest wooden structure.

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Sanjūsangendō Temple

Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto is renowned for its stunning main hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266, the temple is Japan's longest wooden structure and a designated National Treasure.

A brief summary to Sanjūsangendō Temple

657 Sanjusangendomawari, Kyoto, Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, JP
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Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sanjūsangendō Temple.

Photography is prohibited inside the main hall to preserve the sacred atmosphere and protect the statues.
Visit during the Ōmato Taikai archery contest in mid-January to witness a traditional Japanese sport.
Allow at least 30 minutes to fully appreciate the intricate details of the Kannon statues and guardian deities.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kyoto National Museum, located just across the street.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus numbers 100, 206, or 208 to the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop, which is right next to the temple. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥230 for adults.
Walking

From Kyoto Station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to Sanjūsangendō Temple. Alternatively, from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line, it's a 5-minute walk. Follow Sanjusangendomawari street.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi ride from Kyoto Station to Sanjūsangendō Temple typically costs between ¥800 and ¥1,000 and takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The starting fare for a taxi in Kyoto is ¥490.

Discover more about Sanjūsangendō Temple

Sanjūsangendō, officially Rengeō-in, is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, famed for its extraordinary collection of 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. The temple's name, meaning "Hall of Thirty-Three Bays," refers to the intervals between its support columns.Founded in 1164 by Taira no Kiyomori for Emperor Go-Shirakawa, the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1249. The temple was rebuilt in 1266, and that structure has been maintained for over 700 years. The 120-meter-long main hall is Japan's longest wooden structure and is a National Treasure.The main hall houses a large, seated statue of the 1000-armed Kannon, flanked by 500 human-sized standing Kannon statues on each side, arranged in rows. These statues are crafted from Japanese cypress and adorned with gold leaf. The temple also features 28 guardian deities, statues of Fūjin (wind god) and Raijin (thunder god).Sanjūsangendō provides a compelling glimpse into Heian and Kamakura period Buddhist art and architecture. The temple is also known for the Tōshiya archery contest, held annually in January, a tradition dating back to the Edo period.