Sazaedo Temple (栄螺堂), located in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, is a truly unique Buddhist temple notable for its unusual double-helix wooden structure. The 16.5-meter-high, three-story hexagonal hall of Sazaedo Temple stands out as one of the most unique temple designs in Japan. Its name, “Sazaedo,” comes from the sazae (turban shell), a reference to the design of the main hall. The temple was originally built in 1796 during the Edo period, on the side of Mt. Iimori, to the east of Aizuwakamatsu city.
The temple was constructed to house 33 Kannon statues (Buddhist statues, also referred to in other languages as the Bodhisattva of Mercy), representing the famous Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage. The temple allows visitors to see these 33 statues under one roof, using a one-way system that lets them walk on different paths as they climb or descend the temple’s main hall.
In 1995, Sazaedo Temple was designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property.
From the upper floors, enjoy sweeping views of Aizuwakamatsu city and the surrounding mountains. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere makes it perfect for a short escape from the bustling streets.
As Sazaedo temple is located on the side of Mt. limori, there are many steps to access the temple. While it should only take a few minutes to climb the stone staircase leading up to the temple, there is a convenient conveyor belt system – essentially a really big travelator or moving walkway that enables you to skip most of the stairs.
Explore Fukushima
Top Attractions
Aizuwakamatsu
City with a rich samurai history
Tsuruga Castle
Replica castle in Aizuwakamatsu
Hanamiyama
Mountain for Flower and Cherry Blossom Viewing
Ukedo Elementary School Earthquake Ruins
Ruins of the Ukedo Elementary School post Tsunami
Ouchijuku
Preserved Edo Period Post Town
Hours and Admission
Sazaedo Temple Hall
- Hours: 8:15am - Sunset (April - November)
- Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm (December - March)
- 400JPY
- Average Time Spent: 15-20 minutes
- Official Website
Mt. Iimori Slop Conveyor Belt
- 8:00am - 5:00pm (March 21st - November 20th)
- 9:00am - 4:00pm (November 21st - March 20th)
- 250JPY
- Average Time Spent: 15-20 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Sazaedo Temple
Sazaedo Temple can be reached from Aizu-wakamatsu Station fairly easily. Take the Akane-e (あかべぇ) bus bound for Higashiyama Onsen Station (東山温泉駅方面) from the Aizuwakamatsu Station bus stop , and get off at Iimori Yamashita bus stop (飯盛山下) for a total of 250JPY one way, and taking about 5 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk from there. This journey should take about 10 minutes, and these buses depart approximately every 30 minutes from 8am.
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Where to Stay
Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel
Western-style chain hotel located conveniently near to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, making it an ideal hotel for exploring the area.
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