Statues in Japan

A giant statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy watches over the town of Ōfuna.

This shrine, built to protect against destructive waves, is home to two monumental lion heads.

Commemorating the Japanese migration to Peru, this statue has a sister standing across the Pacific.

A bizarre object of worship believed to grant wishes to those who tie it up with a rope.

In the former treasury of a popular temple, a rare sculptural depiction of Kannon’s diverse avatars.

Feast your eyes on the centuries-old statues of the judges of hell.

Three rare “road guardian” stelae with reliefs of the Tengu can be found in the town of Naruse.

They say the internet is forever but just in case, the shiba inu behind an iconic meme has been immortalized in bronze.

These statues are dedicated to the damned souls of those executed centuries ago on the beautiful Yuigahama beach.

This church commemorates a venerable, yet nigh-forgotten woman who dedicated her life to the poor in post-war Tokyo.

A group of medieval rock-cut Buddhist statues created to save people from the volcanic hell that surrounds them.

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

This historic Erasmus statue was first mistaken for a legendary Chinese inventor, then as a child-eating hag.

Hundreds of statues of Buddha’s disciples meditating, napping, sneezing, and picking their noses.

A bizarre statue of a Buddhist goddess made from 20,000 insects.

It is rumored that if you spot this little golden frog hiding in plain sight, good luck will come your way.