Aizu Sazaedo

A unique temple with a double spiral staircase

Located in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu Sazaedo is a temple that stands out from the rest. At first glance, it may appear to be like any other pagoda-like temple, but as soon as you enter, you will be amazed by its unique feature – a double spiral staircase.

Aizu Sazaedo was constructed in 1796, making it over two centuries old. It was built by a priest named Ikudo, using traditional Japanese woodwork techniques. The temple is three stories high, standing at an impressive height of 16.5 meters. Its intricate design and craftsmanship make it a rare and historic building.

The most fascinating aspect of Aizu Sazaedo is its double spiral staircase. As you make your way up or down the temple, you will notice that there are two sets of stairways that spiral like the shell of a sea snail. This is why the temple is named Sazaedo, which means Sea Snail Temple. The construction of these staircases is so ingenious that those going up will never meet others going back down. This unique feature adds to the temple’s charm and makes it a must-visit attraction for visitors.

Inside the temple, there were originally 33 images of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. Devotees would make their way up and down the temple, stopping at each statue to pray. This practice is known as entsu sansodo, which means “to make three full turns.” The journey up and down the temple is symbolic of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a famous pilgrimage to 33 Buddhist temples. By praying at all 33 statues, pilgrims believed that they would earn good fortune and merit, as well as save time and money that would have been spent on the actual pilgrimage. However, the original statues were removed after the Meiji Restoration.

The temple’s architecture and design are not the only attractions in the area. Aizu Sazaedo is located on Mt. Iimori, which holds great historical significance for the people of Aizu. During the Boshin Civil War in 1868, 19 young cadets of the Byakkotai, also known as the White Tiger Troop, committed ritual suicide on this mountain. Their graves are marked by a hillside memorial, and two museums dedicated to their story can be found at the foot of Mount Iimori. These museums, the Byakkotai Memorial Hall and the Byakkotai Folklore and Historical Museum, provide insight into the history and folklore of the region.

To visit Aizu Sazaedo, you can take a train to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and then a bus to Mt. Iimori. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station and transfer to a regular train on the JR Banetsu-sai Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. From there, you can take the Aizu Loop Bus to Mt. Iimori. The temple is easily accessible and is definitely worth the journey.

In conclusion, Aizu Sazaedo is a unique temple with a double spiral staircase that sets it apart from other temples. Its construction, design, and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction in Aizuwakamatsu. The temple’s double spiral staircase and the practice of praying at the 33 statues of Kannon add to its uniqueness and charm. Additionally, the nearby Mt. Iimori and its historical significance make it an ideal location for history enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or spirituality, Aizu Sazaedo offers a truly remarkable experience that should not be missed.

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