Do you know which animal of the Chinese Zodiac is your year? Mine is Year of the rat. In Japan people often send New Year post card featuring illustrations of the current year's animal, but you can also see them represented in other places around Japan. I found these cute statues at Shoun-ji in Machida when I visited there to enjoy plum blossoms.
- 1 min read
Zodiac Statues at a Buddhist Temple
All 12 Chinese zodiac animals feature in a cute line-up
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Year of the monkey
Year of the sheep
Year of the horse
Year of the snake
Year of the dragon
Year of the rabbit
Year of the tiger
Year of the ox
Year of the rat
Year of the dog
Year of the pig
Year of the chicken
The statues are lined up along the main path at the front of the temple
Shoun-ji is not well known, but it is quite pretty
Join the discussion
Relinda Puspita
9 years ago
Nice.
1 comment 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
-
1An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
2Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
3Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
4Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
5An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
6Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
7Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
8A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9A Journey Through Western Kyushu
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
10Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
10Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo