Sanjusangendo (Rengeoin) Temple
Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengeō-in)三十三間堂（蓮華王院）
Sanjusangendo (Rengeoin) Temple
Sanjūsangen-dō (Rengeō-in)三十三間堂（蓮華王院）
About Sanjusangendo (Rengeoin) Temple
Sanjūsangen-dō, formally Rengeō-in, is a temple famed for housing 1,001 life-sized, golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The statues are displayed in Japan's longest wooden hall, a 120-meter long National Treasure dating to 1266. This awe-inspiring assembly includes a central seated Kannon, 28 guardian deities, and statues of the wind and thunder gods, Fūjin and Raijin. The temple's long veranda was also historically famous for the Tōshiya archery competitions.
Cultural Assets
Main Hall (Hondō)
National TreasureJapan's longest wooden structure, measuring 120 meters, rebuilt in 1266.
1,001 Statues of Senju Kannon
National TreasureThe breathtaking collection of one thousand life-sized standing statues flanking a large central seated statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon.
Nijūhachi Bushū (28 Guardian Deities)
National TreasureA dynamic collection of guardian statues, including the famous figures of Fūjin (Wind God) and Raijin (Thunder God), that protect the main Kannon image.
Cultural Experiences
Ōmato Taikai (Archery Contest)
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Annually on the second Sunday of January
Rite of the Willow (Yanagi-no-Okaji)
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Annually on the second Sunday of January
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Special night illuminations may be held in late November.
A typical visit to the main hall takes about an hour, allowing for a slow walk to observe the vast collection of statues.
The temple is noted for being barrier-free and one of the most accessible major temples in Kyoto for wheelchair users.
Best Time to Visit
In late November, coinciding with the peak of the autumn foliage season in the Higashiyama area, the temple often has extended hours for nighttime illuminations (yōkae). To avoid large tour groups, visit early in the morning right after opening or in the late afternoon about an hour before closing.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take Bus #206 or #208 to the 'Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae' stop (~10 min). It is also a 5-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Photography Policy
Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main hall to protect the National Treasures and maintain a sacred atmosphere.
