Sanjuusangen-do, Kyoto

Some visitors to Kyoto complain that there are too many temples and shrines. I personally love the shrines and temples, but even if you are growing tired of them, Sanjuusangendo is one temple that is sure to impress! The 1001 gold statues within the temple are so beautiful and intricately designed (along with some wooden statues), no matter how many temples you've visited, if you haven't been here, you will be glad you came! It is one of Kyoto's most beloved attractions and it truly lives up to its reputation!

Entrance is 600 yen.

This temple is probably the closer to the railway station and it is popular for the room where it contains the 1001 statues of Buddha.
I did not dare to count them so I cannot witness if they are really that many, but the quantity is definitly impressive.
The statues are all made of japanese cypress.
124 statues were made during the 12th century and the remaining 876 in the 13th century when the temple was renovated.
Inside the room of the statues you cannot take any picture and you must leave your shoes outside.
The temple ticket was 600 yen.
Opening time: 8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00 from Nov 16 to Mar 31)

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Sanjusangendo is famous for 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple is also called Rengeo-in. It was built in 1164. The main hall which hosts the statues, is Japan's longest wooden structure with over 100 meters. In the center, a large Kannon sits and 500 smaller statues stand on each side. The powerful and dynamic statues of Thunder God and Wind God are placed at both sides of the temple hall on raised pedestals of cloud shape. 28 images placed in a straight line in front of 1001 Kannon statues are guardian deities which protect the Buddhist deity Kannon. The temple is open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission fee is 600 JPY.

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This temple is just across the Sansumo Art Museum. While we were on the street waiting in line (the line is outrageously long that the line went all the way to the street), I saw the cement walls of the Sandusandengo Temple. It's kind of difficult to pronounce the name but you will get use to it.

The temple is beautiful. It's our first day in Kyoto and our first visit for the day is actually the Sansumo National Art Museum. But this temple is just across the street. We went to check it out but wasn't so much interested to get inside their temple because the fee is expensive.

However, my sisters and I decided to take pictures of the temple outside and visit other temples. Not sure if I could give you more detailed description of the temple except the outside of the temple.

Translate"hall with thirty-three spaces between the columns."
Considered one of Kyoto most well preserved temple.

Reason why you should go:
1. Contained 1001 Kannon Statue of Goddes of Mercy which all made from wood carving.
(Unfortunately photography is prohibited in this temple; but it looks amazing)
2. Red Striking colour of the exterior Temple creating a wonderful perspective if looking the corridors.

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Buddhist Temple founded in 1164 with the present stucture from 1266. Over 100 meters long . Entry fee 600 yen , and open 8 am to 5 pm. Not exceptionally crowded .

Shoes off to entre. No photos inside.Length of temple makes for diifficult photography anyway.

What's inside see Photo # 3.
One large Kannon ( Goddess of Mercy ) flanked on either side by 500 times two smaller Kannons. In addition there are 24 Buddhist Dieties. All dating from the 12th or 13th century.

Thie is not a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

This temple is home to 1001 statues of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Kannon. Each one is subtly unique and, lined up in ranks, brings to mind the Terracotta Army. The statues were first commissioned in 1164, mostly destroyed in a fire in 1249 but rebuilt by 1266 and put in a new building.
The western veranda was popular for samurais to practice archery. In a competition known as 'Toshiya' the object was to fire an arrow down the 100+ metre length of the building without hitting a pillar. This is re-enacted annually every January 15th.

This is the very first temple we visited because it's located very near the ryokan we're staying. The temple's name refers to the 33 bays between the pillars of this long, narrow building that houses 1000-armed Kannon. It's very quiet inside the temple and no one is allowed to take pictures inside.

At the back of the hall are 28 guardian statues in a great variety of expressive poses. Each one of them would have an explanation both in Japanese and English. The gallery on the western side is famous for its annual achers competition and this ceremony dates back to the Edo period.