Sanjusangendo Temple (Rengeo-in)

Map

History & Origins

Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa founded it with the cooperation of Taira no Kiyomori. The present main hall, rebuilt in the Kamakura period after the 1249 fire, is distinguished by its long, narrow structure about 120 m from north to south; because it has 33 bays between its pillars, it came to be called 'Sanjusangendo' (the Hall of Thirty-Three Bays). In 2017, restoration work on the 1,000 standing Thousand-Armed Kannon statues, which had continued for 45 years, was completed.

Highlights

Inside the main hall, centered on the seated Thousand-Armed Kannon (National Treasure), 1,000 standing Thousand-Armed Kannon statues stand neatly in rows on tiered platforms in an overwhelming sight. Among the many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in the hall are the statues of Fujin and Raijin and the Twenty-Eight Attendant Deities. The temple is also known as the setting of the Edo-period archery contest called 'Toshiya.'

Visitor Guide

A 5-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, or get off the city bus at 'Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae' and you are right there. Hours are 8:00-17:00 in summer (April 1-November 15) and 9:00-16:00 in winter (November 16-March 31). Admission is 600 yen for adults, 400 yen for junior high and high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students. Allow about 45-60 minutes.

Best Season

The period of the 'Sanjusangendo Omato Zenkoku Taikai' national archery tournament (Toshiya), held in mid-January, is especially lively. Late February to March, when the plum trees on the grounds bloom, is also charming.

Blessings

Annual Events

• January

  Sanjusangendo Omato Zenkoku Taikai (Toshiya, All-Japan Archery Tournament)

  An annual event held in mid-January. Scenes of new adults in furisode kimono shooting arrows are broadcast across the country, and many worshippers visit.

• January

  Yoji no Okaji (Willow Twig Blessing, Great Service)

  A service held on the same day as the Omato tournament. In a ritual in which fragrant water purified with a willow twig is poured on the head, prayers are offered for recovery from illness.

Travel Plan

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