Statues in Japan

In the former treasury of a popular temple, a rare sculptural depiction of Kannon’s diverse avatars.

Feast your eyes on the centuries-old statues of the judges of hell.

Three rare “road guardian” stelae with reliefs of the Tengu can be found in the town of Naruse.

They say the internet is forever but just in case, the shiba inu behind an iconic meme has been immortalized in bronze.

These statues are dedicated to the damned souls of those executed centuries ago on the beautiful Yuigahama beach.

This church commemorates a venerable, yet nigh-forgotten woman who dedicated her life to the poor in post-war Tokyo.

A group of medieval rock-cut Buddhist statues created to save people from the volcanic hell that surrounds them.

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

This historic Erasmus statue was first mistaken for a legendary Chinese inventor, then as a child-eating hag.

Hundreds of statues of Buddha’s disciples meditating, napping, sneezing, and picking their noses.

A bizarre statue of a Buddhist goddess made from 20,000 insects.

It is rumored that if you spot this little golden frog hiding in plain sight, good luck will come your way.

A giant gorilla guardian of the neighborhood, warning people to drive safely.

An American mascot that became a lucky god in Japan, enshrined in a city far from the main center of his worship.

Made to improve road safety, these policemen-like figurines in Miyakojima island have earned an enthusiastic fanbase.

Two ogres stand guard at the Oga Visitor Center.