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
-
1
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
2
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
3
Vegan and Vegetarian Guide in Japan
Food -
4
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
6
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
7
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
8
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain
Fukushima -
9
Create Your Own Adventure in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime - Sponsored -
10
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa