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
Leave a comment
Top Articles
-
![Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025]( "Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025")
1Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025
Planning -
![Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026]( "Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026")
2Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
![Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway]( "Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway")
3Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored -
![Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide]( "Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide")
4Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Culture -
![Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less]( "Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less")
5Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less
Planning -
![Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road]( "Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road")
6Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
![I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation]( "I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation")
7I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
![Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters]( "Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters")
8Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
![70 Nations, One Amazing Meal]( "70 Nations, One Amazing Meal")
970 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Marie's Farm]( "Marie's Farm")
10Marie's Farm
Niigata
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Gion Matsuri]( "Gion Matsuri")
2Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
![Edogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Edogawa Fireworks Festival")
3Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
4The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
5Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)]( "July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)")
6July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
![Tenjin Matsuri]( "Tenjin Matsuri")
7Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
![Yodogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Yodogawa Fireworks Festival")
8Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
![Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi]( "Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi")
9Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi
Tokyo -
![Kamakura Fireworks]( "Kamakura Fireworks")
10Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa
