Sanjusangendo Temple

Sanjusangendo, formally known as Rengeo-in Temple, was originally founded in 1164 by Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The temple's name means '33 intervals,' referring to the number of bays between the building's pillars. The number 33 holds special Buddhist significance, representing the 33 manifestations of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1249 but was faithfully reconstructed in 1266, and this 13th-century structure survives today as Japan's longest wooden building at 120 meters.

The temple houses an extraordinary collection of Buddhist statuary unprecedented in scale and artistic quality. The central image is a seated thousand-armed Kannon carved by master sculptor Tankei in 1254. Surrounding this central figure are 1,000 life-size standing statues of thousand-armed Kannon arranged in ten rows, each statue individually carved and gilded. Flanking the Kannon statues are 28 guardian deities representing protectors of Buddhism. This massive assembly creates an overwhelming visual and spiritual experience, with the seemingly infinite rows of golden figures stretching the length of the hall.

The temple has maintained its religious and cultural significance for over 750 years. It became famous for annual archery competitions held in the hall's veranda during the Edo period, with archers attempting to shoot arrows the full 120-meter length. This tradition continues today with ceremonial archery tournaments held each January. The statues have been designated National Treasures, and the building itself is an Important Cultural Property, representing the pinnacle of Kamakura period Buddhist architecture and sculpture.