Sanjusangen-do Temple

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (33K+ reviews) • 385K+ booked
Discover the beauty of Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto, originally known as Rengeoin Temple, home to 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Marvel at the serenely seated Kannon bodhisattva, a national treasure, and discover a world of spirituality and artistry as you explore the temple's main hall, which is a stunning 120-meter-long wooden structure—the longest in Japan!
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657 Sanjūsangendōmawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan

The best of Sanjusangen-do Temple

Bucket-list experiences

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Kyoto Afternoon Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

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Kyoto Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto

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Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket

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 Kiyomizu Temple Fushimi Inari Shrine Nara Park from Osaka/Kyoto

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Kimono Rental, Japanese Makeup & Photoshoot by Ookini Kiyomizudera

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Kimono Rental Experience in Kyoto by KANWA Yasaka Shrine Branch

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Make it a getaway

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Trouble-free transport

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Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

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Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
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All that's good & tasty

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Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

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Why people love Sanjusangen-do Temple

4.9 /5
33K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
2 days ago
It was a beautiful day! The guide made a couple of jokes so made it enjoyable. the itenary was very nice and he even offered to take photos.
Amanda ********************
2 days ago
loved this Nidec tower experience, a beautiful way to see the city, old and new coming together. you could spend as much time as needed but quite a small space so consider popping up if you even have half an hour. was great!
1+
Amanda ********************
2 days ago
I loved this tour. Was expertly run and organised by tour leader Theodor, and his intern Scarlett, and ably assisted by the Master bus driver. We visited fabulous locations with lots of tips to get the most out of our time, and lots of laughs and fun. Theodor and Scarlett were excellent at their jobs and making us all feel comfortable and happy. Japan is amazing, but is even more so when people go out of the way to make it better and Theodor and Scarlett did this. Was very lucky to have met them both and am excited to return again soon!
2+
周 **
3 days ago
Tour guide Cui Haihua has excellent explanations that can be switched between Chinese, Korean and Japanese. He is also very enthusiastic and will answer any questions. Five-star praise.
Klook User
3 days ago
the hospitality they provided was beyond amazing! so helpful, professional, knowledgeable, friendly and clean! the photographer did a beautiful job of capturing our moment and i love the photos so much! if your on the fence this is your sign to do it! you won’t regret it! it’s definitely a must do here in Kyoto!!
Hsueh ********
2 days ago
10 years ago, a friend recommended that we arrange a walk around Amanohashidate. When I went to Kyoto this time, I signed up for a one-day tour of Amanohashidate and Ine with my husband and my children. The itinerary was a bit short, and the time spent at each designated stop was not long. However, with the arrangement of tour guide Hu Jun, we didn’t have to queue up to buy tickets ( Amanohashidate Chairlift, Ine Yacht) times, as well as the special features, key points, and safety reminders of each attraction. I also repeatedly remind everyone that this is a group activity, please do not be late, otherwise it will affect the subsequent itinerary arrangements. But there are three girls from Hong Kong who have been late since the early morning meeting! For the rest of the trip, those who are either the last to come back will be late! The round trip from Kyoto to Amanohashidate takes a long time, and chatting on the minibus without caring about other people's feelings is the disappointing part of this one-day trip. Apart from this point, Amanohashidate and Ine are natural and cultural landscapes worth visiting. Thanks again to tour guide Hu Jun for his detailed explanation and arrangements for the day.
Fellendorf ******
2 days ago
It was just great, I was able to borrow a beautiful Furisode kimono and got accessories and a simple hairstyle to go with it. The "simple" Furisode package had, in my opinion, a fairly small selection of Furisode kimonos and most of them were very colorful, which wasn't really my thing, but I did find a beautiful kimono. A simple obi is included but I opted for the upgrade with the bow because I didn't think the other one was quite right. Getting dressed was pretty quick and I also got socks. The lady kept asking if everything was OK while I was getting dressed, which I thought was really good. A simple hairstyle was included and I really liked it, I could choose between four hairstyles for long hair and found them all very beautiful. The hairstyle was enhanced with lots of accessories and looked beautiful. You're not that fast with the shoes you get and it can be a bit difficult to walk up stairs or mountains. But I would definitely book this again, it was a great experience wearing a Kinono in Kyoto and the shop was very clean and well organized. Definitely five stars!
1+
Greta ****
2 days ago
Fun and very good experience! They are very attentive and help you choose the ideal kimono for you, the photos with Ike were easy and great. I totally recommend the package.

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FAQs about Sanjusangen-do Temple

Is Sanjusangendo worth visiting?

How long does it take to visit Sanjusangendo Temple?

How many Buddhas are in Sanjusangendo?

What to know before visiting Sanjusangen-do Temple

What to know before visiting Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto

Must-Visit Attractions in Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto

1. 1001 Statues of Kannon

Discover 1001 statues of Kannon, each with its own unique expression and pose, symbolizing compassion and empathy. The sight of these statues standing in rows is truly breathtaking.

2. Senju Kannon Statue

Visit the central wooden statue of Senju Kannon with its 1000 arms, representing the deity's ability to witness and lessen human suffering. Learn about the symbolism and significance of this iconic figure.

3. Thousand-armed Kannon Statues

The main hall of Sanjūsangen-dō has 1001 standing Thousand-armed Kannon statues, along with 28 standing attendants, Fūjin, Raijin, and a principal image of the temple. These sculptures, from the Heian to Kamakura periods, are designated National Treasures of Japan.

4. Thunder God and Wind God statues

On cloud-shaped pedestals surrounding the hall, these statues symbolize guardian deities responsible for weather control and bountiful harvests.

5. Sanjusangendo Temple Garden

Get into the peaceful oasis of Sanjusangendo Temple's garden in Kyoto, Japan. This tranquil escape includes strolling paths, a pond, and Kamakura period-inspired stone arrangements. Throughout the year, the garden blooms with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, autumn leaves, and a snowy winter landscape.

Tips for Your Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto Visit

When is the best time to visit Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto?

Sanjusangendo Temple is open year-round, but if you want a unique cultural experience, you can visit during the Ōmato Taikai archery competition in mid-January. The temple's hours vary by season: from April 1 to November 15, it's open from 8:30 to 17:00, and from November 16 to March 31, it's open from 9:00 to 16:00. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly!

How to get to Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto?

Sanjusangendo Temple is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a short walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, or use the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop, which is just a 10-minute ride from Kyoto Station on bus numbers 206 or 208. Alternatively, it's about a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

What local cuisine should I try when visiting Sanjusangendo Temple Kyoto?

While you're in Kyoto, don't miss out on the local cuisine! Treat yourself to Yudofu, a delicious tofu hot pot, or try a Kaiseki meal, which is a traditional multi-course dining experience. For dessert, try some matcha-flavored sweets to complete your culinary adventure.