When I saw Komainu for the first time, I smiled as I found them funny. I called them “lions,” but my friend told me they were dogs. The word "Inu" means "dog" in Japanese language. I was interested in them and learned a bit of their history. Sando Komainu (visiting road) guarding the entrance or the inner shrine firstly appeared in the Edo era. Meant to ward off evil spirits, Komainu statues are almost identical, but one has an open mouth and the other closed. This represents the beginning and the end of all things. Some Komainu can be also found inside shrines. All of them are different and I really like them, maybe because I was born in the Year of the Dog – Inu desu!
- 1 min read
Komainu Lion-like Statues
Guarding the entrance of many Shinto jinja
By Elena Lisina
Community writer
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Find and book quality accommodations for your next trip to Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
2
Four Seasons Steak House
Okinawa -
3
Okinawa Goat Misaki
Okinawa -
4
Tokyo DisneySea "Fantasy Springs"
Chiba -
5
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan-Inspired Travel Activities
Guide -
6
Extraordinary Experiences in the Great Nature of Izu-Oshima, the Closest Island From Central Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extends to Tsuruga, Fukui
Fukui -
8
2-Day Hachijojima Retreat: Recharge Your Mind and Body
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan-Inspired Culture & Nature Trips
Guide -
10
Discovering Cinnamoroll in Shinagawa City
Tokyo - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
4
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kirby Cafe Tokyo
Tokyo -
10
Taylor Swift Eras Tour
Tokyo