In Japanese culture there is something called as the Tanuki Statues, which you will normally find at the entrance of any place. It is believed that they bring in good-luck, prosperity and financial success. They are also known as Rakans, meaning disciples of Buddha. In Miyajama at the Daisho-in Temple that I visited, these statues are found at the entrance. This temple is at the base of Mount Misen, Daisho-in and is one of Japan's most historic Shingon Buddhist temples. Alongside the Temple there is a path which you can hike up to the mountain. Me and my son went up that path almost half way and then returned back.

This place is really very beautiful. it's just not one Temple but there are many small Temples around and each one of them is unique. On one of the part of the Temple we found these 500 Tanuki Statues. They were looking so cute and all of them had a red knitted cap on their head. They are not very prominently visible at the entrance. They are placed on the side path of the Temple, a little de-tour and you will see them. I had seen all of these in pictures while I was doing my research work, so I knew they were there, but then which side that had to be searched. They are also called as Guardians of Abundance.

When I looked at them, it felt like I was watching some playful kids around, though in stone, they had some very special energy and it felt so much real, as if they would come to life and play around.

You can see in this picture how all along the path they are placed. This path also connects to the Temples as we move up.

Walking through this whole place felt so serene, nothing looked commercial here. Normally when we visit these kind of places, there are so many commercial things around, but here absolutely nothing, you feel so connected, and everything looks so real. Normally in India when we visit a Temple, there are 100s of people around selling something or the other. Here not a single person found selling anything. There are candles placed near the Altars if someone wants to burn them. They can take it and drop the money in the box. There is one souvenir shop in the area, but nothing that will disturb your peace. I so loved these little Rakans. It is something very unique that I have been able to explore in Japan.

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