Sanjūsangen-dō

Sanjūsangen-dō is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku whose main building stretches approximately 120 meters (390 feet) and forms one of the longest wooden halls in the city. Inside stand over 1,000 gilded wooden statues of the goddess Kannon arranged in rows that fill the entire space.

The temple was founded in 1164 and its original building was destroyed by fire in 1249. Craftsmen and sculptors rebuilt the hall and created most of the gilded statues visible today.

The name comes from the spacing of pillars running along the building, which follows a traditional Japanese measurement system. Visitors walk through the galleries and notice how each wooden statue has a distinct facial expression and carved detail.

Visitors enter the building from the east side and walk along a central aisle that allows a close view of the rows of statues. The sheer number of figures requires time to take in, so it helps to arrive with enough patience for a leisurely visit.

The building also contains a tiny statue of the goddess that measures just 5 centimeters (2 inches) tall and can easily be missed. This miniature figure sits among the larger statues and is often overlooked by visitors focused on the overwhelming number of bigger pieces.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Inception: 1165

Founders: Taira no Kiyomori, Go-Shirakawa

Architectural style: Wayō

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Part of: 洛陽三十三所觀音靈場, Myōhō-in

Address: 京都府京都市東山区東大路通渋谷下る妙法院前側町

Opening Hours: April 01-November 15 Monday-Sunday 08:30-17:00; November 16-March 31 Monday-Sunday 09:00-16:00

Phone: +810755610467

Website: https://sanjusangendo.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.98788,135.77171

Latest update: December 18, 2025 15:40