Visiting the Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto
- Anju Chandna
- Dec 3, 2025
- 2 min read
The Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto is a cherished national treasure of Japan.
As you enter the temple grounds, you will see the Great Hall, a huge wooden structure measuring about 120 metres, the longest wooden building in Japan.
About Sanjūsangendō Temple
As you step inside the Great Hall, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of 1001 life-size, exquisite wooden statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, made of Japanese cypress and decorated with gold leaf, standing in multiple rows.
In the centre of these statues is the 3.3-metre-tall giant seated figure of the thousand-armed Kannon, the presiding deity of the temple, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. This figure is so grand and intricate that we spent almost 15 minutes just taking in the details of this mammoth idol.
In front of these 1001 statues are 28 statues of 'Guardian Deities' of Shiva, Vishnu and other demigods with origins in Hinduism.
The Great Hall offers a mesmerising sight, and one can easily spend about an hour looking at these stunning statues and reading about them.
My Tip
If you're looking for an unspoiled spiritual experience right in the city centre, then Sanjūsangendō is a temple you must visit. The relics that you see here are unparalleled in their beauty.
The only downside is that photography is strictly prohibited, but in a way, that brings a calming effect to the whole experience. Don't forget to pick a free pamphlet from the temple premises. The photos posted above are taken from the pamphlet.
This is a revered place of worship, so visitors are expected to take off their shoes before entering the Great Hall and deposit them in a locker provided on the premises.
Entry to the temple is paid, 600 yen for an adult. The temple is generally open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.
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