Sanjusangen-dō (三十三間堂)

Sanjusangen-do, the "hall with 33 spaces" is one of the major tourist spot in Kyoto. Founded in 1164, its official name is Rengeo-in (蓮華王院). The buildings were destroyed in a fire but were rebuilt in 1266 and remain standing to this day. This is surprising because most temples in Kyoto were destroyed in the Onin war (1466~1476) and the large hall of Sanjusangen-do makes it a easy target. The name of the temple comes from its main hall which has 33 sections (and hence 34 main columns).

The 120m-long hall enshrines 1001 Buddhist statues of deities, each with many arms as they are traditionally represented. So this begs the question: how many arms? Well, go there and see for yourself! :-) Additionally, 28 larger statues are placed in front of this multitude, each representing a guardian deity. Originally the temple "only" had 124 statues; the remaining ones were built when the temple was renovated.

The main hall is located on wide grounds with a photogenic orange-and-green wall which doubles as a covered promenade. A couple of zen gardens can also be found here and there. Note that photography is only allowed outside; you cannot take pictures in the hall. It is the only place in Kyoto where the specifically say that they will check your memory cards if they have a doubt. You've been warned...

While you're in the area, the excellent Chishaku-in temple is just around the corner.

Access:

Nearby: Hōjū-ji 法住寺 (90m), Chishaku-in 智積院 (380m), Toyokuni-jinja 豊国神社 (380m), Myōhō-in 妙法院 (400m), Kanshun-dō 甘春堂 (450m), the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial 河井寛次郎記念館 (680m), Rakutoihōkan 洛東遺芳館 (710m), the Genji Kyoto Hotel 源氏京都 (740m), the Hanbei-fu Bento Museum お辨當箱博物館 (850m), Shōsei-en 渉成園 (860m),...

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