Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

The temple is renowned for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, as well as for being the longest wooden structure in Japan, measuring 120m. It was founded in 1164 and was rebuilt a 100 years later, after being burnt down.

The name Sanjusangendo is derived from the number of intervals between the building's support columns, which is the traditional method of measuring buildings.

The main hall of the building features a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon, with 500 statues of human sized Kannon standing in ten rows on either side.

Getting There: Sanjusangendo is located next to the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop (10 minutes, 230 yen from Kyoto Station by bus numbers 206 or 208) or a five minute walk from Shichijo Station along the Keihan Line. Alternatively, it takes about twenty minutes to walk there from Kyoto Station.

Admission Fee: is 600 Yen per person.

Opening Hours: 08:30 am to 5 pm.

Importance Rating: 6 - not the most important site but worth a visit.

Busyness Rating: 5 - not too busy.

Top Tips: Overall, Sanjusangen-do Temple is a place for one to marvel at the beauty of Japanese Buddhist sculpture and surrender to the compassionate gaze of all those pairs of eyes.