About
In the northern reaches of Sendai, where the cityscape gently yields to rolling hills, there stands a figure of such monumental grace that it seems to bridge the heavens and the earth. The Sendai Daikannon, a towering embodiment of compassion, rises 100 meters into the sky, her serene visage gazing benevolently over the city below. Clad in pristine white robes, she holds in her right hand the nyoi hōju—a sacred jewel believed to grant wishes—and in her left, a vessel containing the waters of wisdom, poised to pour enlightenment upon the world.
Constructed in 1991, this statue was erected to commemorate Sendai's centennial as a city and to usher in hopes for prosperity in the 21st century. The choice of a 100-meter height was deliberate, symbolizing the 100 years since Sendai's designation as a city in 1989. The foundation extends 21 meters underground, representing aspirations for the new century. (powerspot-tour.net)
Approaching the statue, visitors are greeted by an entrance shaped like a dragon's mouth—a symbol of auspicious beginnings and the promise of ascension. Stepping inside, one is enveloped by a hushed sanctity. The interior is divided into twelve levels, each adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The first floor houses the Twelve Heavenly Generals and the Thirty-Three Kannon, while the upper levels feature 108 Buddha statues, each representing a worldly desire to be overcome. (powerspot-tour.net)
An elevator transports visitors to the uppermost level, where windows offer panoramic views of Sendai's urban expanse and the distant Pacific Ocean. The city unfolds like a tapestry, with the mountains standing as silent sentinels on the horizon. (powerspot-tour.net)
The Sendai Daikannon is not merely a monument of religious significance; it has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the region. In 2018, it served as a filming location for a Thai movie, drawing international attention and visitors from around the globe. (nhk.or.jp)
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow upon her alabaster form, the Sendai Daikannon stands as a testament to human devotion and artistic endeavor. She embodies the city's spirit—a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, spirituality and daily life. In her presence, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of peace, as if the burdens of the world are momentarily lifted by her compassionate gaze.