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.
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Shoki-san
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Yesterday’s Japan Photo:Old Nihonbashi Bridge |
