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Sanjūsangen-dō

, Kyoto, Kyoto

Description

Sanjūsangen-dō (三十三間堂) is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect founded in the 12th century in Kyoto. It is famous for its long main hall containing 1001 standing Thousand-armed Kannon (+ 28 guardian deities), a large seated Kannon, a statue of Fūjin (god of the wind), and a statue of Raijin (god of lightning, thunder and storms). The 120m long hall housed archery tournaments from the 17to to the 19th centuries. The complex also includes a small garden with willow trees.

Access & Transport

The museum is in southern Higashiyama, across the road from the Kyoto National Museum and a 5mins walk from Shichijō Station (Keihan line).

Instructions & Recommendations

No photos allowed inside the hall. This attraction is best combined with the Kyoto National Museum

Meta review

One of the most popular and best rated temples in Kyoto on online review portals with visitors describing it as a visual treat. It is not very large but distinctly different from other temples in the city, with a nice garden and adequate written explanation about both the statues and the hall (history and construction).

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral and part of the city's architectural and artistic heritages

Conclusion

From outside it looks just like another temple but the inside is quite extraordinary: an army of statues standing guard quietly. Quite unique and highly recommended unless you are really pressed for time in Kyoto. The no-photo policy is a little disappointing but understandable, especially given the hall's narrow passageway.

Key positive

Stunning rows of statues

Historical background of the temple

Key negative

None

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and no religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 50m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:30 - 17:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 17:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 17:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 17:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 17:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 16

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 16:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 16:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 16:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 16:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥600
Adult
18 - 64
JP¥600
Teen & Young
12 - 17
JP¥400
Child
5 - 11
JP¥300
Infant
0 - 4
JP¥0
Unclear what the age threshold of "Junior High and High School Students" and "Primary School" are.

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