Sazae Temple: A Unique Spiraling Wonder

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Explore the architectural wonder of Sazae Temple in Aizuwakamatsu, a unique double-helix pagoda offering a serene spiritual journey.

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Sazae Temple

Sazae Temple (Sazaedo), officially Entsu Sansodo, is a distinctive three-story hexagonal wooden pagoda in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, Japan, known for its unique double-helix staircase. Built in 1796, it allowed pilgrims to ascend and descend without ever crossing paths, and is designated an Important Cultural Property.

A brief summary to Sazae Temple

Bentenshita-1404 Itsukimachi Oaza Yahata, Aizuwakamatsu, Bentenshita Itsukimachi Oaza Yahata, Fukushima, 965-0003, JP
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Monday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Friday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 8:15 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 8:15 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
Take your time exploring the unique double-helix staircase and admire the intricate wooden structure.
Check out the Uga Shindo, with 19 statues worshipping the Byakkotai, located nearby.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Aizuwakamatsu Station, take the Haikara-san (blue) or Akabe (red) Aizu Loop Bus and get off at the "Iimoriyama-shita" bus stop. The temple is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. The loop bus costs 210 yen per ride or 600 yen for a day pass.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Aizuwakamatsu Station. The ride to Sazae Temple takes approximately 15 minutes and costs between 1,900 and 2,300 yen.

Discover more about Sazae Temple

Nestled on the hillside near Mount Iimori in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, Sazae Temple, or officially Entsu Sansodo, presents a captivating architectural marvel. Constructed in 1796, this three-story hexagonal pagoda is celebrated for its unique double-helix wooden structure, a design resembling a turban shell (sazae in Japanese), which gives the temple its nickname. Inside, two separate spiral staircases ascend and descend without intersecting, embodying Buddhist concepts of duality and offering a symbolic journey of spiritual clarity. Originally, the temple housed 33 Kannon statues along its spiral path, allowing pilgrims to complete a condensed version of the traditional 33-temple Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage within a single structure. Today, the temple's interior is adorned with stickers from pilgrims who have visited. The temple's design is attributed to Ikudo, the head priest of the nearby Shosoji Temple, with some speculating inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's double-helix staircase at the Château de Chambord. Sazae Temple stands as the only known example of a double-spiral rampway for climbing a building anywhere in the world. It is a designated National Important Cultural Property and a Japan Heritage site.