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
Join the discussion
Relinda Puspita
9 years ago
Nice.
Top Articles
-
![Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture]( "Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture")
1Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan]( "Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan")
2Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
![Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours]( "Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours")
3Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
![Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats]( "Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats")
4Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
![Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape]( "Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape")
5Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
![Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours]( "Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours")
6Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
![Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza]( "Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza")
7Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route]( "Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route")
8Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
![A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka]( "A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka")
9A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination]( "Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination")
10Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Guide to Suica Cards in Japan]( "Guide to Suica Cards in Japan")
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
![Akishinodera Temple]( "Akishinodera Temple")
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
![Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes]( "Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes")
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque]( "Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque")
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
![May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture
