Roughly between Kanda and Akihabara in central Tokyo, Yanagimori-jinja is a small, slightly shabby neighbourhood shrine; I wouldn't make a special trip for it, but if you're in the area it's worth a look for its menagerie of statues.
As well as the usual komainu guardian dogs, the main halls and adjoining miniature shrines are inhabited by dragons, pigs, and some more that I really couldn't identify. It's fun to poke around and see how many animals you can spot!
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.
