Shodoshima Great Kannon (Daikannon)

The Great Kannon of Shodoshima (小豆島大観音, Shōdoshima Daikannon) is a striking 50-meter statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, perched on the mountainside of Shodoshima Island. Completed in 1993, this towering white statue is one of the tallest of its kind in Japan and serves both as a symbol of compassion and a functioning temple. Inside, visitors can explore the statue's multiple levels via stairs or an elevator. The top floor, located in the chest of the statue, holds a sacred relic—a tooth of the Buddha gifted by a temple in Sri Lanka. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Shodoshima’s lush landscape and the Seto Inland Sea.

At the base of the statue, guests will find a peaceful worship area featuring a maze of corridors filled with hundreds of miniature golden Kannon figures, each donated by worshippers and visitors. These statues surround a traditional altar, where visitors can make prayers and offerings. The grounds also include smaller shrines, prayer halls, and scenic walking paths, making it a meaningful stop for spiritual reflection as well as sightseeing. The serene setting and dramatic scale of the Great Kannon create a memorable and immersive cultural experience for anyone exploring Shodoshima.