A few minutes' walk from Shimizu station in the suburbs of Shizuoka, Myorenji is a small, appealing Buddhist temple with a restful atmosphere. There are plenty of interesting statues dotted around the grounds: a line of serene Buddhist figures, a menagerie of cute animals, then also a fierce-looking dragon carved under the eaves of the main hall. While not an outstanding example of its kind, it's still a pleasant place to come and look around if you're in the area.
- 1 min read
Myorenji
A tranquil temple in Shimizu

By Peter Sidell
Community writer

Some of the many cute animal statues

The main hall

Not so cute: a carved dragon under the eaves of the main hall

Another little Buddhist statue

Another building in the temple grounds

Why not? A big owl statue

The big bell in its pavilion

Buddhist statues line up in welcome

Another statue in her small shelter

I'm not sure who this is

More little animals by the raked gravel garden

The entrance gate
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
6 years ago
I also always notice sculptures in Japan!
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Some beautiful carvings!
Relinda Puspita
9 years ago
The mini statues are really cute.
3 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
-
1
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns
Hyogo - Sponsored -
2
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
3
Golden Route to West Japan: Hiroshima & Fukuoka
Hiroshima - Sponsored -
4
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
5
Hotel NORD Otaru, Your Front-Row Seat to Otaru’s Canal District
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
6
Photogenic Miyazaki: Relaxation and Discovery
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
7
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
8
24-Hour Yaro Ramen in Shibuya Revolutionizes Noodles With an All New Type of Ramen Taking Over Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9
Wintertime Magic in Otaru, Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
10
Explore Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji with Ease From Kamenoi Hotel Ako
Hyogo - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
9
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
10
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba