Pokemon Magikarp (Koiking) Manhole

Fun manhole for Pokemon fans

Something I've always appreciated about living in Japan is the attention to detail found in so many aspects of life. One of those is the manhole covers here, which are like little works of art in and of themselves. If you (or someone you know) is a Pokemon fan, there are a number of different Pokemon-themed manholes found in different parts of the country, including this Magikarp (known as Koiking in Japanese) one in Ojiya. It's located out the front of the Ojiya City General Gymnasium, and I loved that it also incorporated scenes from one of Ojiya's annual events (the hot air balloon festival) on the manhole cover as well! While I wouldn't say it's something I'd travel to Ojiya for on its own, it's so fun to see if you're in the area for any reason -- a little dose of joy on something that otherwise would be boring and unnoticeable.