(Highlights)

The 120-meter-long temple houses a total of 1,000 standing statues of "Kannon" (Goddess of mercy), her gigantic statue seated in the center of those images, two powerful and dynamic statues of "Fujin" Wind God and "Raijin" Thunder God at either side of the hall and 28 images of guardian deities protecting the "Kannon" deities and pious Buddhists who believe in her. The statues are made of Japanese cypress using the special technique . As there are thirty-three 2.5-meter-long spaces between the columns in the facade, the temple came to be called "Sanjyusangen-do" (a hall with 33 spaces between columns).

(History)

Officially called "Rengeo-in temple and designated as the National Treasure, it was originally established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164. After the original temple building was burnt down 80 years later, the building was reconstructed in 1266 and it has remained unchanged to this day for some 700 years with four major renovations in that period. Among the 1,000 standing statues, 124 were made in the 12th century, when the temple was founded and the remaining 876, in the 13th century, when the temple was renovated.

(How to enjoy)

Walk on the corridor in the long hall seeing the statues, while smelling the delicate aroma of burning incense, and you will be amazed at the serene-looking faces of the images of "Kannon-sama". Just bring yourself to the mysterious and esoteric world of Buddhism. You will never end up not admiring the ancient sculpture-making technology and the enthusiasm of those who were engaged in the construction of the statues. I wish I could add the pictures of these magnificent images, but I can`t, since photo-taking is no allowed inside the hall.

They tend to be ignored, but you cannot miss the two structures in the temple precincts: South Gate and roofed earthen fence both of which are connected with Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi and reflect the aesthetics of the 16th century.

(Others)

The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 600 yen.