Japanese traditions, Shoki-san house protection amulet

Decorative roof ornaments like onigawara are ubiquitous in Japan. Still, while strolling through the traditional areas in Kyoto, you may also spot a Kyoto specific adornment in the form of a little statue placed on the roof tiles above the entrance.

As you can see in the photo, the statue represents an old man, with long beard and a sword in the right hand... He is called Shoki-san, and this cute little trinket is in fact a house protection amulet, considered to drive away bad spirits and diseases...

Scroll down for a more detailed photo with the Shoki-san statue.