The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture! Aizu Sazae-do, a hall resembling the shape of a turban shell

  • Fukushima
  • Experience Gifu
Aizu Sazae-do" which resembles the shell of a turban shell
Did you know that there is a hall in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, with a structure that is rare in the world? It is also called "Aizu Sazae-do" because of its appearance resembling a turban shell, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. This time, we would like to introduce "Aizu Sazae-do", which has been recognized as an important cultural property and a Japanese Heritage site, and is gaining popularity after receiving a one-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Tohoku Web Edition.

The distinctive "Aizu Sazae-do" built in the Edo period.

Aizu Sazae-do is a historic wooden structure built in 1796 (Kansei 8) during the Edo period (1603-1868). Its official name is said to be "Entsu Sansodo. (The name designated as Important Cultural Property is "Old Shoso-ji Temple Sansodo-Do.") It consists of three hexagonal layers with a height of 16.5 m and a double-helix structure, and along the slope of the double-helix, the images of the 33 Kannon of Saigoku were enshrined, and visitors were in a system where they could visit the 33 Kannon by visiting this hall.
Exterior of Entsu Sansodo

A corridor where you will never pass another visitor

Inside the hall is a double-helix ramp (completely separate pathways for ascending and descending), which allows visitors to safely visit the temple without passing other worshipers, an architectural style that is highly regarded as a rare example of its kind in the world. Because of the gentle slope, the corridor is more like a slope than a stairway, with wooden non-slip surfaces to prevent slipping. Because it is made of wood, the floor makes a creaking sound, but it is also tasteful. You will want to go up and down again and again!
The wooden spiral ramp is a masterpiece.

Aizu Sazae-do" where visitors could visit the 33 Kannon in the western part of the country until the end of the Edo period

Until the end of the Edo period (1603-1867), Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, was enshrined along the slope, transformed into 33 different forms. It was said that if one entered this hall, one could visit the 33 Kannon statues at once, and it was also said that one could go to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, worshippers used to affix Senja-fuda (a type of paper charm) to the temple instead of making a visit to the temple. Because it was easy to visit, this Sazae-do was very useful to the people of that time. Please note that it is not allowed to put Senja-fuda now.
Entrance to the hall where Senja-fuda (a type of talisman for one thousand shrines) is pasted all over the place

Aizu Sazae-do Basic Information

●Please see
Adults: 400 yen
College and high school students: 300 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen

●Hours of visit
April - November/08:15 - sunset
December - March/09:00 - 16:00
Ceiling with Senja-fuda attached

If you visit Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima, stop by "Aizu Sazae-do"!

Aizu Sazae-do is a world-class architectural feature. Aizu Wakamatsu is also a place where you can enjoy food, with such gourmet specialties as wappa-meshi (rice cooked over rice with wappa) and sauced pork cutlet served on top of rice. Please come to Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture.
Aizu Sazae-do's official website

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