Sanjusangen-do

Overview

Houses 1,001 life-size gilded Kannon statues in ten rows within the longest wooden building in Japan (120 meters).

Highlights

• 1,001 Statues: Each unique, carved from cypress and covered in gold leaf. Finding one resembling someone you know is tradition.
• The Central Kannon: A 3.3-meter seated figure by master sculptor Tankei (1254), a National Treasure.
• 28 Guardian Deities: Dramatic life-size Hindu-origin guardian figures.

History

Originally built in 1164, rebuilt in 1266. The name means "33 spaces between pillars." The Toshiya archery contest has been held here since the Edo period.

Visitor Tips

• No Photography: Take time to absorb the visual impact in person.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.