Hotels near Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do is the longest wooden building in the world - 120 metres of cypress, completed in 1266, holding 1,001 life-sized standing statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy). The central seated Kannon, surrounded by 28 guardian deities and 1,000 standing Kannon in 50 columns of 20, is one of the most overwhelming religious spaces anywhere.

Entry is JPY 600. No photography allowed inside the main hall. The annual Toshiya archery contest in mid-January sees archers shoot down the 120-metre veranda. Allow 45 minutes. The temple sits opposite the Kyoto National Museum (worth a separate half-day for its art collection).

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning - the silence with 1,001 statues is the whole point and groups break the spell. Combine with the Kyoto National Museum (10-min walk) and Kiyomizu-dera (15-min walk uphill) for a full Higashiyama afternoon.