Manhole Art in Shiga Prefecture

A sampler of Shiga's wonderful nature and other charms

Cathy Cawood Nov 10, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Many covers feature flowers and birds</p>

<p>Shin-Asahi on Lake Biwa's western shore has a pretty park with several Dutch style windmills</p>

<p>Otsu is Shiga's largest City, and is famous for its summer fireworks festival  </p>

<p>This cover shows Hikone Castle Moat</p>

<p>Windsurfing, maple leaves and a border of snowflakes for Makino on Lake Biwa's North-Western shore</p>

<p>Flowers and a bird for Nishi-Azai in the North</p>

<p>I can't see a name on this attractive design</p>

<p>Geese on the Kohoku manhole cover</p>

<p>Hydrangeas and herons for Biwako Town (at least, I think they are herons)</p>

<p>Moriyama is famous for fireflies, so of course their design features a firefly</p>

Japan has the most wonderful manhole covers! They feature designs representative of the areas where thay are found. This photo story shows a collection of intricate and beautiful designs from around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, but there are many more designs than those shown. Flowers and birds are a common theme, but important historic landmarks like Hikone Castle are also featured, as is the Otsu Firework Festival.

Don't forget to look down!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...