<p>This guardian dog isn't going to escape from its cage...</p>

This guardian dog isn't going to escape from its cage... (Photo: Peter Sidell)

Dainari-jinja

Count the dogs at this atmospheric Odawara shrine

Peter Sidell Aug 28, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>This guardian dog isn't going to escape from its cage...</p>

<p>... but this one might</p>

<p>The main hall</p>

<p>Bonsai in front of the main hall</p>

<p>Some of the miniature side shrines, complete with little torii gates</p>

<p>Another tiny side shrine</p>

<p>These lanterns show how old the place is</p>

<p>Unusual seven-sided prayer boards</p>

<p>Miniature komainu abandoned under the main hall</p>

<p>The gate to the main compound</p>

<p>Even the lanterns are home to little dogs</p>

<p>An elaborate carving by one of the halls</p>

<p>And an airborne lion in the eaves</p>

<p>This komainu is on the steps as you walk up from the street</p>

<p>So is this lion, with what looks like a soccer ball under its paw</p>

<p>The entrance from the street</p>

A few minutes' walk from Odawara station, Dainari-jinja is a large, atmospheric shrine, surrounded by trees and notable for its profusion of komainu (guardian lions, dogs and wolves). There's also an interesting row of miniature shrines, like little dolls' houses, complete with miniature komainu, and some attractive carvings by the halls and under their eaves.

Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.