Sanjusangen-do: 1,001 Golden Statues in One Long Hall
How to visit Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto: the 1,001 statues of Kannon, the 120 metre hall, the archery contest and visiting tips.
Quick answer
- What it is: a Buddhist temple hall in Kyoto, famous for its statues of Kannon.
- Famous for: 1,001 statues of the goddess of mercy, standing in rows.
- The hall: about 120 metres long, Japan's longest wooden temple building.
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Best time: January for the archery event, or quiet weekday mornings.
Inside Sanjusangen-do, 1,000 life-sized golden statues of Kannon stand in long rows, with a huge seated Kannon in the middle. The effect, in the dim light, is breathtaking.
Why Sanjusangen-do is a wonder
The hall was founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266 after a fire. Its name means hall with 33 spaces between columns.
Each of the standing statues has many arms and slightly different features. It is said that visitors can find a face that looks like someone they love.
Guardians and archers
In front of the statues stand 28 guardian deities, carved with great realism, along with gods of wind and thunder.
Each January, archers in kimono compete along the veranda of the hall, continuing an old tradition of long-distance archery.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Main hall | 1,001 Kannon statues in rows | 30 minutes |
| Thousand-armed Kannon | A large seated statue in the centre | 5 minutes |
| 28 guardian deities | Realistic statues of protective gods | 10 minutes |
| Wind and Thunder gods | Two famous statues at the ends of the hall | 5 minutes |
| Kyoto National Museum | A major museum across the street | 1.5 hours |
When to go
- January: the Toshiya archery event.
- Weekday mornings: calmer halls.
- Rainy days: an ideal indoor sight.
- Spring and autumn: pleasant gardens around the hall.
Our tip: Walk the length of the hall slowly and look for a statue's face that reminds you of someone. It is a popular tradition among visitors.
Getting there
- From Kyoto Station: city buses take about 10 minutes, or walk in about 20 minutes.
- By Keihan: Shichijo Station is about 7 minutes on foot.
- Nearby: Kyoto National Museum is directly across the road.
Visiting respectfully
- Photography is not allowed inside the hall.
- Remove your shoes before entering.
- Keep your voice low.
- Check the temple's site for current fees and hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many statues are in Sanjusangen-do?
1,001 statues of Kannon: 1,000 standing and one large seated statue.
Can you take photos inside Sanjusangen-do?
No. Photography is not allowed in the hall.
How long is Sanjusangen-do?
About 120 metres, the longest wooden temple hall in Japan.
How do you get to Sanjusangen-do?
Take a bus from Kyoto Station, about 10 minutes.
Shuri Castle
A vermilion palace of the old Ryukyu Kingdom, rising again after fire.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.