Only in Saitama: Stork Guardians

Among Saitama Prefecture's many claims to fame is something few people would ever expect: it is home to the only shrine in Japan with Komakounotori. You may have heard the term komainu, the lion-dog guardians commonly found standing watch at shrine entrances throughout Japan. Komakounotori, however, refers to an entirely different pair of guardians: storks.

While it is not unusual to encounter shrine guardians modelled after animals other than lion-dogs, storks are exceptionally rare. In fact, there is only one shrine in Japan where they serve as the gatekeepers, and that shrine is located right here in Saitama Prefecture.

The historic Kou Shrine in Konosu City is home to these unique stork statues, which stand proudly at the entrance to the shrine grounds. Their presence reflects Konosu's long association with storks, birds that have held an important place in the history and folklore of the area.

Having visited countless shrines across Japan, I have become accustomed to seeing the familiar lion-dog pairs guarding the approach. That's why encountering stork guardians came as such a surprise. It's a small detail, but one that makes Kou Shrine feel unlike any other shrine I have visited.

For anyone looking to discover some of Saitama's lesser-known treasures, the Komakounotori of Kou Shrine offer a perfect reminder that the prefecture is full of unexpected sights. After all, where else in Japan can you be welcomed by a pair of storks instead of lion-dogs?