All Japan Tōno City Kappa Komainu

Kappa Komainu

These guardian lion-dogs with dented heads were placed here in honor of a brave water goblin that saved the temple from a fire.

Tōno City, Japan

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Inside, the judges of Buddhist hell are worshipped.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
People leave coins on their heads for good luck.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Kappa Komainu.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
A curious creature with an even more curious story.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Jōken-ji Temple, Tōno.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The lion-dogs stand in front of the Hall of the Ten Kings.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Komainu statues with unusual features.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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