If you’re wondering which locations to visit during your Kyoto trip, just know that Sanjusangendo is a MUST.
Originally founded in 1164, this sacred site is home to a temple hall that is Japan’s longest wooden structure, dialing in at 120 meters. Perhaps even more impressive is the large statue of a 1,000-armed Kannon (the goddess of mercy) sitting in the center of the main hall, surrounded on either side by 500 human-sized statues of, again, 1,000-armed Kannon.
According to the Discover Kyoto website:
“Look carefully at their faces. It is said that among the Kannon statues, you will find one that resembles the person you long to meet.”
It’s worth noting that the actual statues only have 42 arms each. It’s symbolic of the 1,000-arm concept based on the idea that after you subtract the two regular arms, and multiply the remaining 40 by the 25 planes of existence, you get the full thousand.
Sanjusangendo Hall: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/sanjusangen-do/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEiuDu87g6pC5fxdA