Sanjuusangendo
About Sanjuusangendo
This national treasure is with it's 120 meters, the longest wooden building in the world. It was originally built in 1164 and in 1266 it was reconstructed after a big fire. The temple holds 1001 statues of the Buddhist deity, Juichimen-senju-sengen Kanzeon, which is often called by its simplified name, Kannon. There is one big seated statue in the middle of the hall and on either side 500 small standing statues. All the statues are made of Japanese cypress, most statues date from the 12th century but there are still 124 original statues. In front of the Kannons stand 28 other statues, these are images of gaurdian deities which protect the Kannon as well as the worshippers.
It's popular name comes from the 33 spaces between the columns
It's popular name comes from the 33 spaces between the columns
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Getting there:
It is accross the street from the Kyoto National Museum. From the station go straight and on the Shichijo-dori turn right. It is past the river on your right hand side.
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First To Review:
Jun 5, 2009
Impressive building and impressive collection of statues. It is just a pity that you can't take any pictures inside. There is a lot of explanation to be found inside. Every guardian deity is explained in full detail. After statue number four you start feeling a bit numb but it is still all very interesting. After visiting the hall you pass by the back of the hall where there is a small exposition on the history of the temple. I liked the story about the arrow shooting contest, the Toshi-ya Matsuri, a lot. The record is 9 arrows per minute for 24 hours. That is just mindboggeling.
Oct 14, 2009
Absolutely fascinating! And such amount of bronze statues! It is really amazing. Unfortunately, photographing is officially prohibited, so be creative :-D
Aug 3, 2008
the most amaizing thing have seen in kyoto.it s wonderful and and peacefull(compared to the other big spot of kyoto...)
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