Rengeoin Sanjusangendo is a temple with a history dating back to the Heian period, founded in 1164 by Emperor Goshirakawa. As its name suggests, the main hall is called "Sanjusangendo" because it has 33 spaces between pillars, and is characterized by its extremely long building that stretches out to about 120 meters. In this long hall, the national treasure Senju Kannon seated statue is placed in the center, and on either side are lined up 1,000 life-size Senju Kannon standing statues. All of these Kannon statues are designated as national treasures or important cultural properties, and the sight of each one showing a different expression can only be described as spectacular.

In front of the Kannon statues are statues of the wind god and thunder god, as well as the guardian deities known as the Twenty-Eight Deities, arranged to protect the Kannon statue. Each of these statues also has its own unique expression and appearance, and the beauty of their form never tires of being seen. The interior of the hall is dimly lit and enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, and as soon as you step inside, you feel as if time has stopped. Facing the Buddha statue quietly will have a spiritually cleansing experience.

Sanjusangendo is a place that brings together the best of Japanese Buddhist art from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period, and is especially recommended for those interested in history and culture. It is also famous as the venue for the "Toshiya (National Archery Tournament)" held every January, and is known as a sacred place in the world of archery.

[Trivia]
The "33 spaces" in Sanjusangendo come from the fact that there are 33 spaces between the pillars in front of the main hall. In addition, Senju Kannon is known as a Kannon with a thousand hands, but it does not actually have a thousand hands, and in many cases, the thousand hands are represented by 42 hands. This is said to symbolize the vast power of Kannon's mercy. Inside the hall, some of the Kannon statues have the year they were made and the name of their creator inscribed at their base, and if you look closely you will make new discoveries.