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 its present structures date from 1266.
The main hall, which houses the statues, is with over 100 meters Japan’s longest wooden structure. In its center sits one large Kannon, flanked on each side by 500 smaller statues, standing in neat rows side by side, each as tall as a human being.
Photos mikeleeorg & Terry Clinton
In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today’s temple. A few years later, the Silver Pavilion, modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), was constructed. Plans to cover the pavilion in silver were never realized. The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490. Photos game1980 & Ben Dalziel In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu’s death in 1408. The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950. Photos Andre no Japao & Telstar Logistics Kokedera means Moss Temple, referring to the temple garden’s estimated 120 different varieties of moss. Visitors to the temple can walk through this spectacular garden, which has strongly influenced subsequent Japanese garden design. Kokedera was originally the site of a prince’s villa before becoming a Shinto shrine in the early Nara Period. In 1339, the shrine was renamed and converted into a Zen Buddhist temple under the priest Muso Koushi. Muso is also credited with creating Kokedera’s gardens. Photos a2zumac Kiyomizudera (“Pure Water Temple”) is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power. Behind Kyomizudera’s main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love. In front of the shrine are two rocks, placed several meters apart from each other. Successfully walking from one to the other rock with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in your love live.
Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashiyama (“eastern mountains”). The temple is formally known as Tozan Jishoji.
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji.
Saihoji, more commonly known as Kokedera, is one of Kyoto’s Unesco World Heritage Sites. Entrance to this temple requires a reservation made well in advance by mail.
