Text by Alex
Standing inside the all-wooden hexagonal space, with a radial ceiling overhead adorned with stickers and graffiti left by visitors for good luck. Amid the strong lines and intense atmosphere, it creates a surreal vibe. Some netizens even say the scene looks cursed, sending chills down your spine!
In Aizu, home to the famous Byakkotai,
— Ayu (@auki999) May 15, 2021
? The hall’s overwhelming presence pic.twitter.com/0Gst2x5Zbr
▲ "The Buddhist hall, famed for Aizu's Byakkotai, is incredibly imposing"
The photo was taken by photographer @auki999 at a wooden Buddhist hall, officially named "Entsu Sansōdō" (), but commonly called "Uzumonodō" (, "Spiral Shell Hall") due to its snail-like appearance. It features a hexagonal design with three levels. The most unique aspect is its internal passageway, which uses a double-helix structure. Entering from the entrance and walking up the corridor leads directly to the third floor. Then, by continuing in the same direction and crossing a small arched bridge, you can descend back to the ground-level exit via the downward corridor. It’s a one-way route—no backtracking or passing others going the opposite way.
▲ The hexagonal roof of the hall can be seen from the top level. (photo by auki999 @Twitter)
▲ (photo by auki999 @Twitter)
Uzumonodō is located on Mount Iimori in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Built in 1796, it stands about 16.5 meters tall. It’s said that the hall originally housed 33 statues of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), and worshippers could pray to all of them in one go by walking along the spiral passage. However, about 150 years ago, during the Meiji era’s anti-Buddhist movement, these 33 statues were relocated elsewhere. In 1996, Uzumonodō was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
▲ At the top level, the two spiral corridors are connected by a small arched bridge. (photo by auki999 @Twitter)
▲ The hall has no stairs—only two spiral corridors. (photo by auki999 @Twitter)
Interested readers can check out more of @auki999’s travel photography on Instagram and Twitter.
▲ The front entrance of Uzumonodō. (photo by Tohoku Tourism Information Network)
▲ Side view of Uzumonodō (photo by Tohoku Tourism Information Network)