Sanjusangen-do Temple

Tourist attraction

★ 4.9 (41K+ reviews) • 530K+ 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!

657 Sanjūsangendōmawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan

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4.9 /5

41K+ reviews

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Klook User

1 Jul

Yuki was our day trip tour guide for Kyoto and she was great, providing info and insights about the places we are visiting.

Klook User

30 Jun

we had tiger as our tour guide and he was awesome. told us valuable information about the places we were visiting and allowed us to have a choice of exploring with him or on our own.

클룩 회원

30 Jun

If you want to travel to Kyoto during your short Osaka trip, I think a guided tour is the best (JR or other transportation...). Also, the guide's Kyoto travel tips and explanations about Kyoto culture made for an enjoyable trip (a must-try for clams!)

Klook 用戶

29 Jun

The one-day tour saved a lot of time on taking the bus and finding the way. The tour guide could speak Chinese and introduced us to delicious restaurants, which really made us feel at ease. It is worth recommending again.

kittima **********

29 Jun

There are many staffs in the shop. We booked in the morning before the shop opened, so we had to wait a bit. The staffs in the shop can speak Chinese and English. Most of the customers are probably Chinese because the staffs often speak Chinese. The clothes are cute, the hair style is done quickly, beautiful. Everyone in the shop is ready to serve.

Klook 用戶

29 Jun

Thanks to the guide Amanda for the bilingual introduction! , and for ensuring a smooth trip! ##If you don't want to find and wait for the bus, a one-day tour is a good choice. ##You don't have to worry about carrying things when you buy things at the scenic spot. You can put them on the bus first, and go to the next scenic spot with both hands free. ##The time for visiting the scenic spot may be more limited; you can walk to the main attractions you want to visit, and the small happiness around may wait until you have time. Because you have to walk a distance to the main attraction at the entrance of the scenic spot, the way to and from the scenic spot is up and down, but it is confirmed that you can visit it! The lunch time will be more compressed.

Klook User

27 Jun

our photographer was amazing! He was so sweet and helpful! Very patient with us and took so many photos!

MOHD ***********************

27 Jun

I had an amazing day trip to Kyoto from Osaka, and our tour guide Amanda truly made it unforgettable. The bus was very comfortable, allowing us to relax between stops. Amanda was warm, knowledgeable, and organised — she shared fascinating stories and cultural insights at every location we visited. From the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) to the charming streets of Uji, famous for its rich matcha treats, Amanda made sure we got the most out of every moment. She even guided us to the popular Starbucks in Kyoto, beautifully designed in traditional Japanese style, which was a unique and pleasant stop. Amanda’s guidance was seamless — she kept everything on schedule while still giving us time to enjoy, take photos, and explore at our own pace. Her recommendations for local snacks and photo angles were spot on, and she was always ready to help with a smile. Thanks to her, the trip felt smooth, engaging, and personal. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting from Osaka

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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.

Sanjusangen-do Temple