About the Sendai Daikannon
The Sendai Daikannon (official name: Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon) is a large Bodhisattva statue located on the grounds of Daikanmitsuji Temple, standing 100 meters tall and 21 meters below ground.
The statue is one of the tallest in the world, surpassing the Statue of Liberty by seven meters, and is even visible from downtown Sendai.
This article covers information about the Sendai Daikannon, regarded by Sendai citizens as a part of their everyday scenery, including how to access the statue from Sendai Station.
* At the time of producing this article, ropes were hanging from the statue for repainting work, but they have now been removed.
The Thirty-three Kannon Statues and Twelve Divine Generals Welcome You
First, you will step through the wide-open dragon’s mouth at the foot of the Kannon Bodhisattva and enter the interior, where you will pay a 500-yen admission fee at the desk before following the designated route.
The Thirty-three Kannon Statues and Twelve Divine Generals are what catch your eyes first.
The statues are positioned along the wall of a circular hall, and are so powerfully and delicately crafted that they seem ready to move at any moment.
The Sacred Golden Goshinden Room at the Heart of the Kannon
Across the hall on the first floor is an elevator that leads to the top floor. The normal way of viewing the Kannon statue is to ride the elevator up to the top and walk down the spiral stairs.
After stepping out of the elevator and following the signs, you will see the golden Goshinden, the Sendai Daikannon’s center of worship, at the heart of the Kannon Bodhisattva.
Here, the cintamani gem that the Kannon holds in her right hand, and the buddha Vairocana, are enshrined as Buddhist icons.
These Buddhist icons are treasured jewels that are said to have the power to grant wishes for riches, good fortune and wisdom, according to the will and mindset of the praying individual. So calm your mind in front of the Goshinden, and join your hands in prayer.
The Hyakuhachi Daibutsu Emerges as You Face Your Earthly Desires One by One
Following the route further, you will see some viewing windows through which downtown Sendai and Mt. Zao are visible. Beyond that, a flight of steps will lead you down to the interior, or abdomen, of the Kannon.
The spiral stairs will lead you to a space that is completely different from the others, containing 108 downlit buddhas standing in quietude.
In Buddhism, it is said that humans have 108 afflictions or earthly desires, including feelings like pain and suffering. Each of the Buddhist statues in this room represent the 108 earthly desires.
While you are in this extraordinary space, descend the slope from the eleventh to third floor while appreciating the statues, and take a moment to come face-to-face with your own mind.
By the time you return to the ground floor, you just might gain some insights about life.
Recommended Photo Spots
1: The area next to “Nakayama 7-chome Park” on Google Maps is one of the best spots to view Sendai Daikannon from a distance.
Take the Sendai City Bus heading to Sendai Daikannon and get off at the “Nakayama “7-chome” bus stop. From here, it’s about 1 kilometer in a straight line to Sendai Daikannon. Visitors can enjoy glimpses of the Kannon statue peeking out from the residential area.
2: The best spot to see the entire Kannon statue from the front is around the “Sendai Daikannon-mae bus stop.
Aburakake Daikokuten
On the premises, there is a rare “Aburakake Daikokuten” statue (oil pouring Daikokuten deity), which is enshrined in only about ten locations across Japan. It is said that pouring oil on the Aburakake Daikokuten statue and praying here brings blessings for forming connections and relationships.
Nearby Attractions
General Information
| Address | 31-36 Nakayamaminami, Sanezawa, Izumi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken |
| Admission fee | 500 yen (high school students and above) |
| Opening hours | Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. / Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Duration of typical visit | Around 60 minutes |
| Access | Sendai City Bus 815 or 825 Line, bound for Nishinakayama Sendai City Bus X910 Line, bound for Sanezawa Eigyosho Mae Approximately 20 minutes by car from Sendai Station |
| URL | http://www.daikannon.com/ |