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
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