Drainspotting in Japan

My collection of the unique design (for the city) and creative manhole covers during my Japan trips since 2019! Will try to provide some commentary for those I have some knowledge/information on.

Always hope to collect (take photo) of em’ all during my future trips and also new manhole covers from other cities too!

Nagano is famous for their fruits (especially apples and grapes), so no surprises that apples are used as one of the main design for their manhole cover.

Matsumoto is famous for their folk crafts “Temari”, which is a handball made of silk yarn.

Kotojitoro Lantern which is a signature icon in Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden.

Icon of Shirakawago, the Gassho-zukuri style houses.

Osaka Castle during sakura season.

I believe this is quite recent in preparation for World Expo Osaka 2025, I took this manhole during our April 2023 visit to Osaka.

I believe this is a reference to Hajime no Ippo series?

Momotaro (a Japan folklore hero) and his party of monkey, dog, and a pheasant, which has origins in Okayama.

Miyajima which is well known for their (Autumn) Momiji and Momiji Manju

Nara which is well known for the Deers, so no surprised it will be on one of their manholes’ design.

Quite a bit of what Kobe is known off in this manhole; port city, Kobe Port Tower, Animal Kingdom, Aqualife.

Overall, I have a huge haul of Kobe’s manhole this trip (April 2023).

One of the iconic sight in Himeji, no doubt Himeji Castle will be on one of their city’s manhole cover!

Himeji Castle is also known as Shirasagijo aka White Heron Castle, due to it’s elegant white exterior, akin to a bird taking flight. Information read on Wikipedia.