Sazae Temple — Attraction in Aizuwakamatsu

A Buddhist temple which was Constructed in 1796 entirely from wood, Sazaedo has a double-helix structure, meaning that those who enter Sazaedo will leave the temple without encountering anybody traveling in the opposite direction. The one-way route of Sazaedo was introduced to avoid worshippers being disturbed during prayer.

It had never been rebuilt, or was there any major reconstruction that took place over all these years made it really special and historical. Sazaedo is the only wooden building with double helix structure in the world. Although it may be a little different from the style of tourism we have today, visitors have been coming to Sazaedo since the Edo period (1603-1867) to pray at the 33 kannon statues.

As proof of their visit, visitors would stick their own personal label on the walls or ceiling of the temple. This label would usually have the visitor’s family name imprinted on it in beautiful calligraphy. This is the Edo period equivalent of writing ‘Emily woz ere 03/01/2004’.

The tradition of leaving proof of your visit is still carried out today, although nowadays the religious labels are made from slightly stronger paper than their Edo period equivalents. The manager of Sazaedo urges tourists not to write their names on the walls though, as this may lead to them having to paint over the original wooden panels, undeniably damaging the charm of Sazaedo.

Unlike many sightseeing spots in Japan, visitors can experience traditional Japanese history and culture without the need to understand any Japanese at all. Exploring the building in itself is really fun and can be enjoyed by all ages. That being said, Sazaedo can be appreciated on a...

Sazaedō (Sanso-do) is a remarkable and unique historical structure that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Aizu Wakamatsu in Japan. Built in 1796 as part of the Seisu-ji Temple, it stands out not only for its architectural design but also for its spiritual significance. The double-helix structure leads visitors up a spiraling ramp without any overlap, symbolizing the path to enlightenment.

The interior is rich with historical details, from the wooden walls and ceilings adorned with countless votive plaques and stickers to the beautiful carvings and informative signs that explain the building's history. The plaque about Kannon Avalokiteshvara and the double ramp inside the structure was particularly insightful and helped me appreciate the uniqueness of the design.

The peaceful and almost mystical atmosphere of this place is palpable as soon as you step inside. Despite its small size, Sazaedō has a strong presence and encourages reflection and contemplation.

Overall, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spiritual...

While visually Sazae Temple does not seem as grand, big or tall as many other places of worship in Japan, but its a place that packs so much amazing stories and history into a tiny space.

Its totally worth paying the area a visit and for adults a simple 400 yen to walk into the temple where its double helix structure is one-of-a-kind. By walking in a single direction, you will not cross path with anyone else and its pretty-mind-blowing how this architecture can be accomplished; even our modern wonders thanks to technology does not really sit in the same league as what Sazae Temple offers.

Within the area is also the location where you can learn about the Byakkotai, the "White Tigers" that performed the ultimate sacrifice as an act of loyalty to their masters which even inspired Germany and Italy to gift commemorative pillars and stone plagues as a declaration and recognition of the spirits of the 19 warriors. Sounds very complex, but you just come and slowly learn about them,...