Sanjusangen-do Temple

三十三間堂

Sanjusangen-do, officially named Rengeo-in, is an old temple of the Tendai school of Buddhism. It was first built in 1164 at the palace of Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and after a fire it was rebuilt in the Kamakura period. The main hall is a National Treasure and is very long: about 120 meters from north to south. Inside, a large seated statue of the Thousand-armed Kannon is surrounded by 1,001 standing Kannon statues, together with the Wind God, the Thunder God and 28 guardian deities, all National Treasures. A pond garden on the grounds was completed in 2021.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

April 1 to November 15: 8:30–17:00.

November 16 to March 31: 9:00–16:00.

Admission

Adults 600 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen. Groups of 25 or more pay a lower rate.

With a disability certificate, the holder and one helper pay half price.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station, take City Bus 100, 206 or 208 (about 10 minutes) and get off at "Sanjusangendo-mae". The temple is right by the stop.

About a 7-minute walk from Exit 2 of Keihan Shichijo Station.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time.
Shoes must be taken off inside the main hall. Shoe lockers are at the entrance.
Wheelchairs can be borrowed for use inside the hall and on the grounds.
Barrier-free toilets are on the grounds and in the parking area.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Shoes must be removed in the main hall; shoe boxes are provided at the entrance.
The 120 m main hall holds a large assembly of Buddhist statues around a seated Kannon image; visitors may simply look around.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.