What other travelers are saying about Sanjusangen-do Temple
Visiting Sanjūsangendō Temple was epic. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a breathtaking sight — 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, each one uniquely crafted with incredible detail. The atmosphere is peaceful and reverent, and you can truly feel the centuries of history and devotion that fill the hall.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, which makes the experience even more special — it invites you to be fully present and take in the beauty with your own eyes rather than through a lens. The craftsmanship, the symmetry, and the serene energy of the temple make it unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Kyoto.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and there’s a quiet garden and traditional architecture to admire outside as well. The informational signs in English were very helpful for understanding the significance of what I was seeing.
If you’re visiting Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō is a must-see. It’s not just a temple — it’s a spiritual and cultural treasure that leaves a lasting impression.
Such a beautiful hidden gem in Kyoto. One of the most interesting and beautiful places I've ever seen.
You're not allowed to take pictures inside the temple but seeing it with your own very eyes is a must do if you ever visit Kyoto! Building is 120m long and throughout all of it the golden statues and the bigger Gods statues are all present it's such an amazing sight!
Just FYI, it's 600¥ cash only to enter so make sure you have some cash ;)
This is the temple that is worth for the visit in the entire Koyoto in my opinion. Such a great history and how Buddhism adopted its philosophy. The links with Hinduism also is visibly clear in all the statues and details inside the shrine. Do visit without fail. Recommended time atleast an hour. The best part is the pictures are not allowed inside so no hassels of the photographers and full concentration we can give to the temple exhibits. Great applause to the management for the maintain and also by not allowing shoes inside the temple complex. Two videos I took are from outside.
I love this temple so much and I'm glad they banned taking pictures inside the shrine so we can really take it all in and pray or pay our respect. Didn't expect to see some statues from Hindu mythology and they have their Japanese name (new information for me). I enjoyed reading every story on each statue. The thousand golden Buddha was mesmerizing.
Beautiful temple inside and out. It’s not as packed with tourist as other temples so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The statues are mind blowing.
If you find yourself in Kyoto, Sanjusangen-do Temple is an essential visit. This temple has some exquisite golden statues, each meticulously crafted over centuries. The surroundings are impeccably maintained, offering a unique charm that stands out in numerous ways.
Constructed in 1164 by the renowned warlord Taira no Kiyomori on behalf of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, Sanjusangen-do Temple stands out primarily for its assembly of 1,001 statues of Kannon. This goddess of compassion is depicted in her thousand-armed form, meticulously aligned throughout the expanse of the hall, which measures thirty-three ken, a traditional Japanese unit of length.
1,001 golden Buddhas.
One hour is sufficient to explore the wonders of Sanjusangen-do Temple.
In 1686, Wasa Daihachiro of Kishū achieved a remarkable feat by hitting 8,133 targets out of 13,053 arrows shot, maintaining an impressive rate of 544 arrows per hour, or about nine arrows every minute, securing his place as the record holder.
