Shōdoshima Daikannon, Buddhist temple and statue in Tonoshō, Japan
Shōdoshima Daikannon is a white statue on the mountainside of western Shodoshima Island, standing 50 meters tall with multiple floors built into its structure. The interior contains various spaces accessible by elevator or stairs.
The statue was built in 1995 and represents Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, while housing a sacred tooth of Buddha from Sri Lanka. It was created as an expression of religious devotion and became a symbol of Buddhist worship on the island.
The temple complex houses hundreds of small golden Kannon statues placed along its corridors, donated by devoted followers over the years.
Visitors can reach the observation deck inside the statue using an elevator or stairs, with entry costing 500 yen between 8 AM and 5 PM. The site is well accessible and provides rest areas and wayfinding signs for those enjoying the views.
The statue serves as both a religious monument and an active temple, with its base functioning as a place of worship for Buddhist ceremonies. This dual purpose makes it a rare location where devotion and architecture merge in an unusual way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
