On the outskirts of Miyagi Prefecture's Sendai City looms the massive Sendai Daikannon (Huge Statue of the Goddess of Kannon), the main building of Daikanmitsuji Temple.
Standing at an impressive height of 100 meters (328 feet) and situated on top of a small hill, the statue can be easily seen from many places within Sendai City itself, including some residential estates!
Being greeted by this incredible sight immediately upon stepping out of home has led to a recent influx of excited discussions on social media, with input from residents ranging from "Totally unreal!" to "Like the final boss of a video game!"
While the giant statue is the most prominent landmark on temple grounds, there are other curious spots visitors may be interested in as well, such as areas that promote fulfillment in romantic relationships and more. Let's explore!
Main photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association
What sort of Kannon statue is the Sendai Daikannon?
Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association
"Sendai Tendо̄hyakue Daikannon" is the full name of the large statue more popularly known as the Sendai Daikannon, which was built in 1991 as a symbol of world peace and protection for Sendai.
As previously mentioned, the statue is 100 meters (328 feet) tall, making it the second tallest Kannon statue in all of Japan. On an international level, Sendai Daikannon is a whole seven meters (23 feet) taller than New York's well-known icon, the Statue of Liberty, which means it's one of the taller statues among its ilk around the world as well!
Why 100 meters, though? Because in 1989, Sendai City celebrated its 100th year of municipal administration, and the statue was constructed facing the direction of Sendai Station on the JR Lines, to make it look as if it was keeping a watchful gaze upon the streets of Sendai from above.
There's also an underground space beneath that's 21 meters (69 feet) deep, as an embodiment of the temple's wish for prosperity for all in the 21st century.
Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association
The Kannon statue holds the cintamani – a jewel that is said to fulfill all wishes – in its right hand, and a jug with the water of wisdom in its left. The mouth of the jug is tipped towards the streets below to bless the residents there. The statue's face is set in a gentle smile that is meant to give those who glance at it a sense of peace and reassurance.
Getting to Sendai Daikannon: Taxis and buses
You can take a taxi or bus to the Daikannon statue from Sendai Station on the JR Lines. This is the gateway train station to Sen…
