Sanjūsangen-dō
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Sanjusangendo - by Anderson Godoy on Google





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
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
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:0h 50m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
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