Sanjusangendo Temple

Sanjūsangendō is a hall managed by the Tendai-sect Myōhō-in; its formal name is Rengeō-in. From Kyoto Station, take a city bus and get off at “Hakubutsukan Sanjūsangendō-mae,” which is right in front. The hall was originally founded in the late Heian period by Taira no Kiyomori within the retired emperor Go-Shirakawa’s palace complex (Hōjūji-dono). After being destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in 1266. The name Sanjūsangendō comes from the 33 bays (pillar intervals) along the front of the 120-meter-long hall. Built in Japanese-style architecture with an irimoya (hip-and-gable) roof, the interior centers on a National Treasure seated Thousand-armed Kannon, surrounded by 1,000 life-sized standing Kannon statues lined up in rows. It is said there may be a face resembling someone you most want to meet—try looking for one. Also notable are the National Treasure statues of the Wind and Thunder Gods and the powerful life-sized Twenty-eight Attendants. In January, an archery event tied to the tradition of “Tōshiya” (long-distance shooting along the veranda) is held; the contest featuring new adults in formal attire is especially striking. Nearby are Myōhō-in Monzeki (the temple’s main precinct) and Hōjūji, which are good to visit together.