三十三間堂

About this photo

This photo shows Sanjusangendo in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, framed by pine trees, with the long hall stretching across the picture. It appears in Kyoto Meishocho (Album of Famous Places in Kyoto), published in 1907 (Meiji 40) by the Kyoto City Council.

The present hall was rebuilt in 1266 after a fire. To the south of the hall stands the Taiko-bei, a wall built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is a roofed earthen wall 5.3 meters high and 92 meters long, with roof tiles bearing the Toyotomi family's paulownia crest. The South Gate was built in 1600 by his son Hideyori. There was also a West Gate, but in 1895 it was moved to Toji temple, where it now serves as Toji's South Gate.

The South Gate and the Taiko-bei are Important Cultural Properties. At the Yanagi no Okaji ceremony in mid-January, worshippers are sprinkled with holy water from a willow branch in prayer for good health. On March 3 the Shunto-e (Spring Peach Festival) is held, named for the day when the number three repeats.

Glossary