An Ignoramus in Japan: Manhole Covers

There are so many interesting things to see in Japan. Even the manhole covers! There are over 6000 manhole cover designs and I have only seen 0.30% of that number! (Some I missed to take a photo of, but have found photos of them thanks to citizens of the internet world!) Designs usually include the city/town's crest/seal/emblem, official flower/tree, and/or local spots.

TOKYO

Spotted in: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

This manhole cover is adorned with two of Tokyo's symbols:
somei-yoshino cherry blossom and ginkgo biloba tree.

Let's learn Kanji:
東京 Tokyo

下水道 (gesuido) sewer
合流 (goryu) confluence

TOKYO
Spotted in: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

And this here is none other than Hachiko!
Saw this by the Hachiko Memorial Statue outside Shibuya Station.

TOYAMA

Spotted in: Ainokura Village, Nanto City, Toyama

On this manhole cover are azalea (flower) and paulownia (tree), the symbols of the former village of Taira, to which Ainokura belonged to. In 2004, four towns and four villages (including Taira Village) merged into what is now called Nanto City. This manhole was constructed before the merging. (Thanks to Gokayama Tourist Information Center for providing information about this design! I couldn't find it on any website.)

Let's learn Kanji:

排 (hai) drain

Photo by そらみみ via Wikimedia Commons

HYOGO

Spotted in: Himeji City, Hyogo

Himeji City's manhole covers are decorated with the white heron and the orchid Pecteilis radiata (also known as White Egret Flower). These two are symbols of the city.

Let's learn Kana (Kanji and Hiragana):
消火栓 (shokasen) fire hydrant 

ひめじ Himeji

Let's learn Hiragana:
ひめじ Himeji

おすい (osui) sewage

HIROSHIMA

Spotted in: Miyajima/Itsukushima, Hiroshima

On the center of this manhole cover in Miyajima is the island's seal/emblem.

Let's learn Kanji:
汚水 (osui) sewage

Photo by そらみみ via Wikimedia Commons

And why the maple leaves on this drain cover? Because the maple is Hiroshima prefecture's tree.

Let's learn Kanji:
広島県 (Hiroshima-ken) Hiroshima Prefecture + 木 (ki) tree

OSAKA

Spotted in: Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

On this manhole cover are Osaka City's seal/emblem, the city's tree (cherry tree), and Osaka Castle.

Let's learn Kanji:
中央区 (Chuo-ku) Chuo Ward

And this one shows some of the city's tourist attractions: Tombori river cruise, Dotonbori Canal, Osaka Castle, and...I don't know what the two buildings are. If you know, please leave a comment.

Let's learn Kanji:
大阪市 (Osaka-shi) Osaka City

空気弁 (kuki-ben) air valve

水道局 (suidokyoku) Waterworks Bureau

OSAKA

Spotted in: Toyonaka City, Osaka

Toyonaka City's manhole cover has roses (the city's flower) and a crocodile. Because crocs live in the city's sewers! Just kidding! The crocodile is Osaka University's official mascot Machikane-wani or Dr. Wani, named after the huge crocodile fossil discovered in 1964 in Osaka University's Toyonaka campus.

Let's learn Hiragana:
とよなか Toyonaka

WAKAYAMA

Spotted in: Koya Town, Wakayama

On the center of this manhole cover is Koya Town's emblem.

Let's learn Kanji:
汚水 (osui) sewage

Photo from Japan Visitor

NARA

Spotted in: Nara City, Nara

Nara is known for its more than 1,000 free-roaming deer in Nara Park, thus the deer on the manhole cover. The design also includes the city's flower, yaezakura (a variety of cherry blossom), and the city's emblem in the center.

Let's learn Kanji:
汚水 (osui) sewage

NARA

Spotted in: Ikaruga town, Nara

On Ikaruga Town's manhole cover are the Japanese black pine (the town's tree), camellia sasanqua (the town's flower), and Hokkiji (a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ikaruga Town).

Let's learn Hiragana:
いかるが Ikaruga

げすい (gesui) sewage

Colored version from Muza-chan's Gate to Japan

KYOTO

Spotted in: Kyoto City, Kyoto

I saw three different manhole cover designs in Kyoto City. All three have a simple patterned design with Kyoto City's crest on the center.

KYOTO

Spotted in: Uji City, Kyoto

In Uji City, I spotted two manhole covers that, like Kyoto City's covers, are designed with a pattern surrounding the city's emblem.

An interesting find was a colorful drain with Japanese globeflowers, Uji City's flower.

Let's learn Kana (Kanji and Hiragana):
市の花 (ichi no hana) City flower

やまぶき (yamabuki) Japanese globeflower

Another interesting find in Uji City was a manhole cover with maple (the city's tree) leaves, and Ujibashi (bridge), one of the most ancient bridges in Japan.

Let's learn Kanji:

宇治市 (Uji-shi) Uji City

汚水 (osui) sewage

Let's learn Kanji:

消火栓 (shokasen) fire hydrant

YAMANASHI

Spotted in: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi

And here's one from my friend, Bunny, who visited Fujikawaguchiko recently. Thanks, Bunny! On this manhole cover are oenothera (the town's flower) and, on the center, the town's symbol.

Let's learn Hiragana:
おすい (osui) sewage

Have you seen any interesting manhole covers in Japan? Do send me a photo and its location and I will add it in this blogpost. Thank you, fellow drainspotter!



Japan
Know Before You Go
Single Entry Tourist Visa for Japan
Roam Around Japan with a Swagger
An Ignoramus in Japan: Vending Machines
An Ignoramus in Japan: Bathrooms and Toilets
An Ignoramus in Japan: Manhole Covers (you're here!)
I Spy With My Little Eye: Japan's Fashion Contradictions
I Spy With My Little Eye: On the Go in Japan

From Tokyo to Hiroshima (2015)
10D/9N | Tokyo, Toyama, Kyoto, Hyogo, Osaka, Hiroshima
Tokyo Accommodation: Shinjuku Airbnb
Tokyo: Memorable Tokyo Eats
Tokyo: Odaiba
Tokyo: Doing Touristy Things in Tokyo
Toyama: A Hamlet Called Ainokura
Kyoto Accommodation: K's House Hostel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Wisdom from the Road: On exits #2
Kyoto: By the Thousands (Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Turning Japanese
Kyoto: Braving the Crowds at these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji)
Hyogo, Japanecdote: If Only I Could Speak Nihongo
Hyogo: Day Trip to Himeji: Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Hyogo, Japanecdote: Am I an Alien?
Hiroshima: Strolling and Snacking in Miyajima
Hiroshima: Remembering the Past in Hiroshima
Osaka, Japanecdote: How to Lose Friends
Osaka Accommodation: Osaka Airbnb
Osaka, Japanecdote: Where is Bentencho Station?
Osaka: Osaka Adlaw, Osaka Ako sa Osaka
Osaka, Japanecdote: Learn From Your Mistakes

Kansai Diaries (2016)
9D/9N | Nov 2016 | Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kansai Region
Osaka: Day 0: Arrival
Osaka Accommodations: Hotel Raizan, Hotel Mikado
Wakayama: Day 1: Going to, Sleeping in, and Eating in Koyasan
Wakayama: Day 1.5: West Side of Koya Town
Wakayama: Koyasan Sidewalk Shorts
Wakayama: Days 1.75~2: Okunoin, Three Times
Nara: Sleep, Eat, and Explore Nara City
Nara: Day 3: Horyuji, Hokkiji, and Some Japanecdotes in Ikaruga Town
Nara: Day 3.5: Yakushiji, Toshodaiji, and Heijo Palace Site in Nara City
Nara: Day 4: Early Morning at Nara Park
Nara: Day 4.25: Naramachi Walking Tour
Nara: Day 4.5: Todaiji, Yoshiki-en, and Kofukuji in Nara Park
Kyoto Accommodations: Guesthouse Wind Villa, Shiori Yado
Kyoto: Day 5: Rainy Day in Uji City
Kyoto: Day 5.5: Tofukuji, Kawai Jinja, Shimogamo Jinja
Kyoto: Day 6: Ginkakuji, Ryoanji, Ninnaji
Kyoto: Day 6.75: Gion Night Walking Tour
Kyoto: Day 7: All Day in Arashiyama
Kyoto: Day 8: Last Day in Kyoto
Osaka: Day 8.75: Dizzying Dotonbori
Osaka: Day 9: Osaka, Over and Out

Remembering the Past in Hiroshima

The afternoon of our ninth day in Japan was dedicated to remembering the past by visiting the city of Hiroshima.

History Lesson 1: Life in a Castle Town

Our first stop was the Hiroshima Castle, nicknamed the Carp Castle. The castle stands in an area that used to be called Koi-no-ura, which means Carp (Koi) Sea Shore, hence the nickname.

Like all castles, Hiroshima Castle is surrounded by a moat. The castle tower that stands now is a reconstruction (the original was destroyed in 1945). The castle is five stories tall and is now used as a museum. The first floor is mainly about Hiroshima Castle; the second floor is about life in the castle town, including replicas of a tea house, a merchant house, and a samurai house; the third floor displays Samurai weapons and armours (the most interesting exhibit for me); the fourth floor is for exhibits about Hiroshima's history and culture; and the fifth floor serves as an observation deck. Taking of photos inside are only allowed in few select areas (like the area where you can dress up as a samurai).

Hiroshima Castle
広島城
9AM to 6PM (5PM from December to February)
Admission fee: 370 yen

Ninomaru

View from Hiroshima Castle

Across the moat

History Lesson 2: War and Peace

If you listened to your history teacher (or even if you didn't, I am sure you have picked up this fact some time in your life), you know that Hiroshima was where the US dropped the first atomic bomb in August 6, 1945. At 8:15AM on that day, the city of Hiroshima was completely destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people were killed.

Today, more than 70 years since that horrific day, Hiroshima is a bustling city that has long since risen from the ashes. But not without reminding the world of its past and the hope for world peace with its 120,000 square meter Peace Memorial Park 平和記念公園 found in the heart of the city.

Within the park is the Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just 160 meters from the hypocenter, the building that was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall remained standing (albeit destroyed). The ruins remain in the same condition as it was immediately after the bombing. It stands to remind us of the destruction that humankind can create and to express hope for world peace, thus it is also called the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial / Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome)

Walking around the Peace Memorial Park was a time for reflection and prayer. In the park we saw the Children's Peace Monument, dedicated to all the children who died in the bombing. Thousands of paper cranes can be found around the monument as these are offered as symbols of peace.

Sadako Sasaki was two years old during the bombing. It was only nine years later that she was diagnosed of leukemia. She kept on folding paper cranes in the hopes that it would help her recover. Her death, just eight months after the diagnosis, prompted her classmates to call for support in building a monument not only for her but for all the children who have died because of the nuclear bomb. That came into fruition as the Children's Peace Monument.

Children's Peace Monument

From the Children's Peace Monument we walked towards the Peace Memorial Museum. We passed by the Flame of Peace, designed to look like hands opened towards the sky and pressed together at the wrist. It was first lit in August 1, 1964 and has continuously burned since. The fire will keep on burning until the day all the world gets rid of its nuclear weapons.

Across the Flame of Peace, before we reached the museum, we stopped by the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims. The stone chamber sheltered by the arch of the Cenotaph is inscribed with this prayer: "Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil." The stone chamber also holds the registry containing almost 300,000 names of those who died from the bombing, regardless of nationality.

Looking at the Flame of Peace and Genbaku Dome through the Cenotaph

By the time we reached the Peace Memorial Museum, it was already closed. If it had been open, I am not sure we'd have the strength to go in and look through the artifacts and personal belongings of the victims, let alone watch video testimonies of survivors.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

830AM to 6PM (7PM in August / 5PM from December to February)

Admission fee: 200 yen

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

History Lesson 3: Okonomiyaki

While we were wandering around the Peace Memorial Park in a somber mood, hunger struck and my friend suggested we try okonomiyaki, a pancake (looks more like an omelette to me) made of cabbage, eggs, pork or seafood (or both), topped with sweet sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and fish flakes. A debate started about okonomiyaki's place of origin: I read somewhere that it originated in Osaka, my friend insisted that it originated in Hiroshima. Osaka. Hiroshima. Food is food and we were hungry so we set out to find a place that serves okonomiyaki. There is actually a cluster of okonomiyaki restaurants in an area called Okonomimura ("Okonomiyaki Village") just a 10-minute walk from where we were but we were too hungry (and too lazy) to go there. Instead we looked for one at Hon Dori (Hon Street) near Genbaku Dome.

In search of okonomiyaki at Hon Dori

We didn't venture too far and found one on the second floor of a narrow building. The name of the restaurant was in Japanese but we knew it to be an okonomiyaki restaurant thanks to the photos of okonomiyaki that adorned the signage.

Uzushio
うずしお
1-5-15-201 Otemachi Naka-ku Hiroshima

Early afternoon hunger brought us to Uzushio

We were able to try two flavors: the regular one with just pork and egg (600 yen) and the okonomiyaki special with pork, egg, squid, prawn, and noodles (1300 yen). I don't think I could finish one order myself, not because of the taste (it was actually very flavorful) but because one order is enough for two persons. (Thank God for travel buddies!)

What's the lesson here? It doesn't really matter where it originated. Just try okonomiyaki in Hiroshima and in Osaka as these two have different styles of okonomiyaki.


Getting around Hiroshima City: We went around the city using the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus. The sightseeing bus stops by the above spots and more (Toshogu Shrine, Shukkein-en Garden, and several art museums). The Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus is operated by JR, thus the JR Pass is valid for unlimited rides on the bus. Otherwise, buy a one day pass for 400 yen, or pay individual fare (200 yen per ride).

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

Japan

Know Before You Go
Single Entry Tourist Visa for Japan
Roam Around Japan with a Swagger
An Ignoramus in Japan: Vending Machines
An Ignoramus in Japan: Bathrooms and Toilets
An Ignoramus in Japan: Manhole Covers
I Spy With My Little Eye: Japan's Fashion Contradictions
I Spy With My Little Eye: On the Go in Japan

From Tokyo to Hiroshima (2015)
10D/9N | Tokyo, Toyama, Kyoto, Hyogo, Osaka, Hiroshima
Tokyo Accommodation: Shinjuku Airbnb
Tokyo: Memorable Tokyo Eats
Tokyo: Odaiba
Tokyo: Doing Touristy Things in Tokyo
Toyama: A Hamlet Called Ainokura
Kyoto Accommodation: K's House Hostel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Wisdom from the Road: On exits #2
Kyoto: By the Thousands (Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Turning Japanese
Kyoto: Braving the Crowds at these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji)
Hyogo, Japanecdote: If Only I Could Speak Nihongo
Hyogo: Day Trip to Himeji: Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Hyogo, Japanecdote: Am I an Alien?
Hiroshima: Strolling and Snacking in Miyajima
Hiroshima: Remembering the Past in Hiroshima (you're here!)
Osaka, Japanecdote: How to Lose Friends
Osaka Accommodation: Osaka Airbnb
Osaka, Japanecdote: Where is Bentencho Station?
Osaka: Osaka Castle and Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai
Osaka, Japanecdote: Learn From Your Mistakes

Strolling and Snacking in Miyajima

For our last three days (of our ten days) in Japan, our home base was Osaka, but we opted to do day trips from there to other prefectures, intending to make the most of our JR Pass. The eighth day was spent in Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, less than a 100 km west of Osaka. And the ninth day was spent farther away, at the prefecture of Hiroshima, about 350 km west of Osaka. With access to the shinkansen, these prefectures didn't seem all that far.

But 10 hours or so to spend in one prefecture, is it even enough? Way too short no doubt, so we picked just a few places to visit in Hiroshima and one of these is the island of Itsukushima aka Miyajima 宮島.

Directions to Miyajima: From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 410 yen). From Miyajimaguchi Station, walk to the pier, and take the JR ferry or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima (10 minutes, 180 yen). A cheaper (but slower) alternative from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station is to take tram line number 2 (260 yen).

Waiting for the ferry

10-minute ferry ride

We explored Miyajima on foot. From the pier we walked past the town (we spent more time there on the way back), towards the well known Otorii (great torii) of Itsukushima Jinja 厳島神社 (Itsukushima Shrine). On the walk to Itsukushima, we encountered deer freely roaming the streets.

Town

Deer

Friendship goals

Itsukushima Shrine
厳島神社
630AM to 6PM (Closes 30 minutes to an hour early from October 15 to end of February)
Admission fee: 300 yen

Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and like its famous giant torii, is built over water. During high tide, the shrine and its torii look like it's floating on water.

Itsukushima Shrine is said to have been built in the year 593. It has undergone many a restoration due to damage from fire, typhoon, etc. We did not visit the shrine itself, but contented ourselves with admiring the shrine's huge torii from the sidelines. Itsukushima Shrine's first torii was built in 1168. The great torii standing now is already the eighth, built in 1875. It was low tide when we visited, but not low enough to walk towards the Otorii and not get our shoes wet.

Itsukushima Shrine

Admiring the Otorii in between lanterns from the sidelines

Itsukushima Shrine's famous great torii

On the other side of the street from Itsukushima Shrine, Toyokuni Shrine's Senjokaku Hall and Gojunoto, its five-storied pagoda, caught our attention. Senjokaku which literally means "pavilion of 1000 mats," was named so because the size of the hall is approximately 1000 tatami mats (one tatami mat is 85.5 cm by 179 cm). The hall was built in 1587 and has remained unfinished. Gojunoto is older than the hall, having been built in 1407.

Senjokaku Hall
千畳閣
830AM to 430PM
Admission fee: 100 yen

The big building in the background is Senjokaku Hall

Gojunoto, five storied pagoda

From both shrines, we continued walking inland towards Momijidani Park. The park has 200 maple trees and because it was autumn (and because I am a sucker for the warm colors of autumn leaves) we simply had to go!

Onward to Momijidani Park

Beautiful autumn day at Momijidani Park

Transition

Autumn reflection

While walking around Miyajima, our mouths watered every time we came across food stalls. My friend who could eat melon pan every day was ecstatic to find melon pan stuffed with ice cream. My two other friends couldn't resist trying the fishcake because of its maple shape. And baked sweet potato ice cream? Sweet potato and ice cream?! I had to satisfy my curiosity!!!

Melon pan ice cream sandwich 

Skewered stuff

Sweet potato ice cream

Before we knew it our half a day was already over and we have seen only a small portion of Miyajima. There was still so much to do: a mountain to climb, temples and shrines and museums to visit, and streets to get lost in. Next time (hopefully there will be a next time), I should spend an entire day in Miyajima.

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

Japan

Know Before You Go
Single Entry Tourist Visa for Japan
Roam Around Japan with a Swagger
An Ignoramus in Japan: Vending Machines
An Ignoramus in Japan: Bathrooms and Toilets
An Ignoramus in Japan: Manhole Covers
I Spy With My Little Eye: Japan's Fashion Contradictions
I Spy With My Little Eye: On the Go in Japan

From Tokyo to Hiroshima (2015)
10D/9N | Tokyo, Toyama, Kyoto, Hyogo, Osaka, Hiroshima
Tokyo Accommodation: Shinjuku Airbnb
Tokyo: Memorable Tokyo Eats
Tokyo: Odaiba
Tokyo: Doing Touristy Things in Tokyo
Toyama: A Hamlet Called Ainokura
Kyoto Accommodation: K's House Hostel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Wisdom from the Road: On exits #2
Kyoto: By the Thousands (Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Turning Japanese
Kyoto: Braving the Crowds at these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji)
Hyogo, Japanecdote: If Only I Could Speak Nihongo
Hyogo: Day Trip to Himeji: Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Hyogo, Japanecdote: Am I an Alien?
Hiroshima: Strolling and Snacking Miyajima (you're here!)
Hiroshima: Remembering the Past in Hiroshima
Osaka, Japanecdote: How to Lose Friends
Osaka Accommodation: Osaka Airbnb
Osaka, Japanecdote: Where is Bentencho Station?
Osaka: Osaka Castle and Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai
Osaka, Japanecdote: Learn From Your Mistakes