In Tokyo's peaceful Yanaka district between Ueno and Nippori stations, you'll find dozens of temples and shrines, and one that's worth seeking out is Zuirin-ji. It has spacious grounds and a beautiful cherry-blossom tree, but the main point of interest is the carvings under the eaves of the main hall. Ornate and painstakingly detailed, there are fierce dragons, flying lions and elephant heads, even little fish and little dragons below the joints, with touches of colour adding some life and energy.
- 1 min read
Zuirin-ji Temple in Yanaka
Dragons, lions, swimming fish and flying elephant heads
By Peter Sidell
Community writer
Close up on a baby dragon
The main hall
A dragon with lions on each side and fish below
A former part of a roof, I suppose
A lion and an elephant
The approach to the halls
A fish swimming around under a joint
The bell pavilion
Three dragons in a tangle
Surrounded!
A mighty big cherry-blossom tree
The temple gate
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1A GranClass Journey to Aomori and Morioka
Culture - Sponsored -
2Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure
Fukui - Sponsored -
3How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan
Planning - Sponsored -
4Traveling Japan: Safety tips App, Travel Insurance & More
Planning - Sponsored -
5Year-Round Escapes Along Japan’s Edo Roads
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
7Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
8Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
9A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
10See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
5Happy New Year Tokyo
Tokyo -
6Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
9Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
10Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie