HomeItinerariesToursBlogDay GuidesLocations
Cart
Trip To Japan
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

About Trip To Japan

Company

  • About Us
  • Careers
    New!
  • Blog
  • Travel Guide
  • All tours
  • All itineraries
  • Groups

Partners

  • Tour operator signup
  • Hotel signup
  • Creator signup
    New!

Contact us

+81 03-4578-2152

info@triptojapan.com

Address

Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Best Locations To Visit

FukuokaHakoneHiroshimaHokkaidoKawasakiKobeKyotoMiyajimaMt. FujiNaganoNagoyaNaoshimaNaraNaritaNikkoOkinawaOsakaTakayamaTokyoTsumagoSee All Locations
Ribbon illustration

License

Certified Travel License
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office: No.3-8367
Japan Travel

QualityTermsPrivacyCommerce Disclosure
© Takanawa Travel

  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Sendai
  4. Sendai Dai Kannon
Sendai

Sendai Dai Kannon

4.3 (1458)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Sendai Dai Kannon, officially known as Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon, stands 100 meters tall on the grounds of Daikanmitsuji Temple in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Completed in 1991 by businessman Sugawara Yorozu at a cost of approximately 4 billion yen, the statue was constructed to commemorate Sendai's designation as an ordinance-designated city and to pray for world peace and human happiness. At the time of completion, it was the tallest statue in the world, though it was surpassed by Ushiku Daibutsu in 1993. Today, it remains the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan and ranks as the tenth-tallest statue globally.

The statue portrays Byakue Kannon, the white-robed bodhisattva, holding a cintamani gem in her right hand and a water jar in her left. The gem represents wish fulfillment, while the tilted water jar symbolizes the pouring of wisdom upon the city's residents. The monument itself measures 92 meters, with an additional 8-meter pedestal bringing the total height to 100 meters, while the foundation extends 21 meters below ground.

Visitors enter through a dragon's mouth at the statue's base and pay a 500 yen admission fee for adults and high school students. The interior spans twelve floors featuring Buddhist statuary and religious exhibits. On the ground floor, 33 Kannon statues represent the different forms the bodhisattva can assume, while twelve guardian deity statues correspond to the Chinese zodiac. An elevator ascends to the twelfth floor, where the Goshinden worship hall is located at the statue's heart. This chamber enshrines Vairocana Buddha and the cintamani gem, considered Buddhist icons with the power to grant wishes for wealth, fortune, and wisdom.

The descent follows a spiral staircase through floors three to eleven, passing 108 illuminated Buddha statues that represent the 108 earthly desires in Buddhist teaching. Small viewing windows offer panoramic vistas of downtown Sendai and Mount Zao, with the Pacific Ocean visible on clear days. The temple grounds also feature Aburakake Daikokuten, a deity shrine found in only about ten locations across Japan, where visitors perform oil-pouring rituals for prosperity and marriage blessings.

From JR Sendai Station's west exit bus stop number 14, take Sendai City Bus routes 815, 825, or X910 bound for Izumi Village, Nishi-Nakayama, or Shie Bus-Sanezawa-Eigyoshomae. The journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with buses departing every 15 minutes. Alight at Sendai Daikannon-mae bus stop. For photographers, the Nakayama 7-chome bus stop, located 1 kilometer from the statue near Nakayama 7-chome Park, offers dramatic perspectives of the statue rising above residential neighborhoods. Alternative access includes a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Kunimi Station or a 15-minute drive from Sendai Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.


Hours
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone
+81 22-278-3331
Website
www.daikannon.com


The area

Address
Nakayamaminami-31-36 Sanezawa, Izumi Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 981-3217, Japan

Sendai Dai Kannon

Hours

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Phone

+81 22-278-3331

Website

www.daikannon.com

What other travelers are saying about Sendai Dai Kannon

We visited the place on our way to Ginzan and boy was it a surprise! The staff were super cute and helpful and the walk down the stairs from the top was mesmerizing! If you have a bit of free time and a car, I would recommend stopping (there is a parking lot next to the entrance - free of charge)
Profile
Igor Kheison
Feb 25, 2026
An Epic Journey Inside the Goddess of Mercy If you are visiting Sendai, the Sendai Daikannon is an absolute must-see. Standing at a staggering 100 meters tall, this statue is not just an iconic landmark that you can see from across the city; it is a profound architectural and spiritual experience that feels truly epic and grand. A Masterpiece of Architecture The sheer scale of the statue is hard to grasp until you are standing at its feet. The interesting architecture blends traditional religious iconography with modern engineering. You enter through the ground floor via a door shaped like a dragon’s mouth—symbolizing good luck—and immediately feel the sacredness of the space. The Inner Pilgrimage: 12 Stories of Wonder What makes this visit unique is that you don't just look at the statue; you walk down inside the giant Buddha. * The Ascent: You can take an elevator straight to the top floor (the 12th level), which serves as a spectacular observation deck. From the small windows, you get a bird's-eye view of Sendai, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. * The Descent: The real highlight is the walk back down. The interior is roughly 10 stories high (specifically 12 levels) and houses a stunning collection of 108 Buddhist statues. These represent the 108 human desires and temptations, and walking past them in the quiet, spiraling interior is a deeply meditative and memorable experience. Each level feels like a different chapter of a story. Easy Logistics Despite its somewhat suburban location, it is well connected with a bus from the city center. * How to get there: You can catch a bus from Sendai Station (West Exit, Bus Stop #14). The ride takes about 30–35 minutes and drops you right at the "Sendai Daikannon-mae" stop. * Pro Tip: Look for the buses bound for Nishinakayama or Izumi Village. It’s a very straightforward trip for such a high-reward destination. Whether you are interested in Buddhism, photography, or just unique world landmarks, the Sendai Daikannon is a powerful and humbling site. It is rare to find something so massive that still feels so peaceful and intricate on the inside.
Profile
Michi T
Jan 11, 2026
One of the better things to visit in Sendai. Huge buddha statue that has multiple different floors inside of it with different statues. 😎 Can recommend 💯
Profile
Kaze Hachijuuhachi
Feb 27, 2026
I’ve visited this sacred site twice, and both times I felt truly blessed—my wish was fulfilled, which made the experience even more meaningful. This place is revered in Japan as the home of the wish-fulfilling goddess, and it radiates a deep sense of peace and spiritual energy. The towering statue is especially impressive, with 12 internal levels that visitors can explore. Inside, you’ll find a serene and contemplative atmosphere, where 108 unique avatars of Buddha are beautifully displayed. Each avatar is accompanied by descriptions that offer insight into Buddhist teachings and symbolism. Practical details also make this site accessible: the entry fee is very affordable, and parking is free, which adds to the convenience for visitors. Whether you're seeking spiritual fulfillment, cultural enrichment, or simply a quiet retreat, this place is well worth the visit.
Profile
Saudeep Bhattarai
Aug 13, 2025
The Sendai Daikannon is an unforgettable sight. Standing at 100 meters tall, it’s one of the tallest statues in the world—and you can really feel its presence as you approach. The area is quiet and peaceful, making it a calming place to visit. You can even go inside the statue and ride an elevator up, exploring different floors with Buddhist statues and displays along the way. The view from the top is also nice on a clear day. There’s a large, free parking area and it’s usually not crowded, so it’s a great stop for travelers looking for something unique and spiritual in Sendai.
Profile
Alyssa Mallari Ito
Sep 5, 2025

Nearby attractions to see

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi

Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi

Mikamine Park

Mikamine Park, Sendai

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune)

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune), Sendai

Nearby attractions to see

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi

Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi

Mikamine Park

Mikamine Park, Sendai

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune)

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune), Sendai


Frequently Asked Questions

Sendai Dai Kannon stands 100 meters (328 feet) tall, making it one of Japan's tallest statues. Located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, this massive white Kannon statue can be seen from various points throughout the city and serves as a prominent landmark in the Tohoku region.

Yes, visitors can enter the statue through a dragon's mouth at the base. An elevator takes you to the twelfth floor at the statue's heart, where the Goshinden worship hall is located. The descent follows a spiral staircase through floors displaying 108 illuminated Buddha statues and offering panoramic views of Sendai, Mount Zao, and the Pacific Ocean through small windows.

Sendai Dai Kannon is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Adult admission fees are around 500 yen, with discounted rates for children and seniors. Hours may vary seasonally, so it's recommended to check current schedules before visiting.

To reach Sendai Dai Kannon, take JR Sendai Station and transfer to local buses. Take the Sendai City Bus bound for 'Dai Kannon' or use route buses that stop near the statue. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes from central Sendai. Taxis are also available from Sendai Station.

The best time to visit Sendai Dai Kannon is during spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for fall colors. Clear weather days offer the best views from the observation decks. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide optimal lighting for photography and fewer crowds.