Jul 15, 2014 - 1 min read

Fun Animals at Shirahige Shrine

Cute animals of God found in Fukui

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

A child (?) clinging to the stone lantern

This is called, 'Koshin Lantern' and was built in 1762

The child is hanging on to the stone pillar of the Koshin Lantern

Ummm, I don't know what this 'clinging child' signifies

Stone turtle is spewing water from its mouth. This stone basin was donated in 1880 by the ex-lord of Fukui Han, Matsudaira Shungaku

Close-up of turtle's mouth. He's been spewing water here for 134 long years...what a hard worker!

There is a stone statue of a turtle here, too. I wonder in what way turtles are connected to this shrine

Close-up look of the stone turtle looking up at the sky

To me he looks optimistic and happy

This stone guardian dog is made of Shakudani Stone, which is mined locally

Modern look of the Shakudani guardian dog

Guardian animals decorating the eaves of the main hall

I found these 'animals of God' at Shirahige Shrine in Fukui city, which I spotted by chance. The most impressive, and the cutest 'animals' I found on the grounds was a child clinging to the stone pillar of an old lantern built in 1762. I don't know why he or she has been clinging to the pillar for...252 years, but I'm amazed by his/her tenacity! Also, there is a wash basin donated by the 16th lord of Fukui Han (domain), Matsudaira Shungaku, in 1880. The stone turtle on the basin has been spewing water for 134 years here, too! I've heard that people of Fukui are patient and tenacious due to its long and cold winters, but it seems that the animals of God here are also very patient!

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.