About Japan from... manhole covers, Himeji orchid

The white heron is the symbol of the Himeji prefecture, and the Himeji castle is nicknamed Shirasagi-jō, which means "White Heron Castle".

The prefecture's flower symbol, a species of orchid, is also related to the heron because it is said to look like a flying bird, hence it is called in Japanese sagi-so, "heron grass".
Here it is represented on the cities artistic manhole covers...