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
-
1Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
2Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
3A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
4Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
5Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
6Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
7Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
10Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture