Place of worship • 657 Sanjūsangendōmawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan
Sanjusangendo, officially known as Rengeo-in, is a prominent temple in Kyoto, welcoming visitors with its overwhelming number of statues. Stepping into the main hall, you will be astonished by the sight of 1001 standing statues of Kannon lined up orderly in the long space stretching approximately 120 meters.
This group of Kannon statues was designated as a national treasure in 2018, with restored statues from the National Museum returning to their original positions. Each statue possesses different expressions and postures, stirring the viewer's imagination.
Sanjusangendo is not just an exhibition hall of statues. The main hall, rebuilt in the Kamakura period, is itself a national treasure, along with the seated statue of the main Kannon deity, the statues of the Wind and Thunder Gods, and the Twenty-eight Attendants, all designated as national treasures.
In 2018, based on years of research, the arrangement of the Wind and Thunder Gods and the Twenty-eight Attendants was restored to its original appearance. This allows visitors to experience the historical space more similar to what people in the Kamakura period would have seen.
The charm of Sanjusangendo is not confined to the interior of the main hall. The circuit-style garden completed in 2021 offers a peaceful space to enjoy the scenery of each season. In summer, a wind chime event fills the temple with refreshing sounds.
Additionally, during the New Year, the traditional event of