Sanjūsangendō Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sanjūsangendō Temple?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Kids pay a reduced fee and can count statues or cheer the January archery meet, yet the solemn hall, no touching rule, and narrow aisles make energetic children hard to manage after 20 minutes.
Positives:
- Engaging History Lesson: Kids learn by spotting different statues and reading simple plaques.
- Easy Stroller Access: You can leave a stroller at the hall entrance after removing shoes.
Challenges:
- No Photos Inside: Cameras are not allowed in the main hall, so plan to enjoy without pictures.
- Quiet Environment: Keep voices low inside to respect other visitors and temple rules.
What is Sanjūsangendō Temple?
- A Buddhist temple featuring a 120-meter-long wooden main hall constructed in 1164, ranking among the longest in Japan
- Home to 1,001 life-size wooden statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon goddess, each uniquely crafted and collectively recognized as National Treasures
- Exemplifies Heian-period religious architecture and conserves an extensive array of Buddhist sculptures and cultural artifacts
What is so special about Sanjūsangendō Temple for with kids?
- Walk a 120 m hall lined with 1,001 golden Kannon statues.
- Engage kids with counting games and free activity sheets.
- Watch the Tōshiya archery contest for free in January.
- Relax with a family picnic in the shaded parking area.
- Stroller-friendly entrance with shoe-storage space.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allow time for kids to count statues, read guides, and enjoy a snack outside.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sanjūsangendō Temple
Spot the Thousand-armed Kannon:
Walk the 120 m hall and see 1,001 life-size Kannon statues.
Tip: Let each child count one row (50 statues) to keep them focused.
Find Raijin and Fūjin statues:
Look for the two guardian deities at each end of the hall.
Tip: Use the free English pamphlet map to point them out to kids.
Pick up a kids’ activity sheet:
Ask at the information counter for a quiz or drawing sheet.
Tip: Check availability on-site; bring colored pencils to add fun.
Picnic by the parking lot:
Enjoy snacks in the free parking area shaded by trees.
Tip: Bring bento boxes to eat before or after your visit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sanjūsangendō Temple
- Arrive at Opening: Get to the ticket booth 5 minutes before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds.
- Use a City Bus Pass: A one-day bus pass saves on fares for your round trips.
- Download the Free Guide: Pick up the English pamphlet at the counter to help kids spot deities.
Reviews of Sanjūsangendō Temple
NIN Kongnav
Ticket is 600Y (4$) I've had a wonderful experience there. It's a great place to learn more about the Japanese culture and its history. The most significant building in this temple is obviously its long hall. Inside this hall, there are many statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas which equivalent to many Hindu deities. If you're a Buddhist or Hindu, you may find this more interesting. However, you'...
KK Brown
This was an amazing sight to behold. Fascinating and so interesting to learn about the history of this temple. Can't take any photographs of the statues inside which was a shame but understandable. Lovely gardens. Really enjoyed this. Wasn't too busy either really.
Elaine Burbank
Simply unbelievable Buddhist temple. We spent about an hour exploring the temple and gardens. We went close to when it opened in the morning at 8:30 am and there weren’t many crowds. No pictures allowed inside the temple but there were over 1,000 carved wooden warriors guarding the big Buddha in the middle of the temple. The temple itself was gorgeous with the wooden interior. Many temples/shrines...
pat barroero
Very nice town and temple - worth your while! There's a huge selection of statues with the mini statues in the back - never seen anything like it in Japan. Strictly no pictures inside the temple - I'm posting the one in the brochure to give you an idea. All temples are always cash only. The gardens are nice and so is the town. There's also the national museum to visit if you have time
MG R
Simply incredible! Worth the trip to Japan for it only. 1000 quiet statues looking at you, plus the gods following your eyes with theirs, made from crystal. No other words can describe the feelings there. No photos are allowed inside and taking off shoes is compulsory.
When is the best time to visit Sanjūsangendō Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?
Visit on the second Sunday of January to watch the free Tōshiya archery contest from the west veranda. Arrive by 9 AM to secure space.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × 600 yen) | JPY 1,200 |
| Child admission (2 × 300 yen) | JPY 600 |
| Snacks for family | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,300 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Sanjūsangendō Temple
Address: 657 Sanjūsangendōmawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan
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About Sanjūsangendō Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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