Sanjūsangen-dō Temple

The Temple of the 33 Niches, also known as Sanjsangen-d (Rengyoin Temple), gets its name from its very unique façade, which is divided into 33 (sanjusan) niches to reflect the belief that Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, may take on 33 different personifications.

The numerous holes that arrowheads have left in the building's old pillars and timbers are still visible proof of its former importance, a place of training in archery. The Kannon with a Thousand Hands, a statue that stands close to three and a half meters tall, is the most significant of its numerous works of art. It dates from the 13th century and is well-known for having 500 standing Kannon statues lined up on either side of it. The other statues of the 28 "celestial auxiliaries," spirits considered subordinate to Kannon, that are situated behind it are also noteworthy.

Address: 657 Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0941