Sazaedo Temple

Sazaedo Temple in Aizuwakamatsu, completed in 1796, is the only known temple in Japan with a double-helix spiral structure. Visitors follow a single ramp-like walkway up through the building, cross a bridge at the top, and descend without ever passing anyone coming the other way. The monk Ikudo designed it this way so worshippers could complete a miniature version of the 33-Kannon pilgrimage, which normally spans seven prefectures over weeks of travel, in just a few minutes. The walls are covered in colorful senjafuda paper stickers left by pilgrims as proof of their visit. The building is a designated Important Cultural Property.