Highlights of Aizu Sazae-dō
Hexagonal Three-Story Wooden Structure
Aizu Sazaedo stands on the slope of Mount Iimori. Its official name is Entsu Sansodo. Built in the 8th year of the Kansei era (1796), it is a 16.5m-tall, hexagonal, three-story temple. Its distinctive exterior, with layered eaves and windows around the outer perimeter, reveals a structure unlike that of conventional three-story buildings.
A double spiral where the paths up and down never cross
This unusual building has a spiral ramp leading upward and another spiral ramp with the same central axis leading downward—the so-called “double-helix structure.” The double-helix structure is the same as that of DNA. Its distinctive design allows visitors to worship without using the same passage on the way up and down, and the building has consequently been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The one-way pilgrimage route itself, winding around the same central axis, is a defining feature of the architecture.
Basic Information about Aizu Sazaedō
The information below was checked against official sources on September 19, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
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You can check visiting hours, admission fees, the location, and the latest visitor information.
会津さざえ堂会津さざえ堂の公式ウェブサイトです。sazaedo.jp - 📍 Address
- Aza Bentenshita 1404-2, Ōaza Yawata, Ikkimachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima
- 🕒 Visiting hours
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- months 4–11 8:15–sunset
- months 12–3 9:00–16:00
- 💶 Admission
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- Adults 400 yen
- University and high school students 300 yen
- Elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
- ⏱️ Time required
- Allow approximately 15–30 minutes to walk through and view the double helix inside the temple. ⚠️ If you also visit the graves of the nineteen members of the White Tiger Force on Mount Iimoriyama and Tonokuchizeki Cave, allow extra time including travel between sites.
Getting to Aizu Sazae-dō
City Loop Bus
From Aizuwakamatsu Station, take the “Haikara-san” or “Akabē” bus, get off at “Iimoriyama-shita,” and walk for about 7 minutes.
By car
It is about 15 minutes from the Aizuwakamatsu Interchange on the Ban'etsu Expressway. Aizu Sazaedō has no dedicated parking, so use a parking lot at one of the shops near the entrance to Mount Iimoriyama or a municipal parking lot.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Aizuwakamatsu: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Sample Itineraries”.
