⛩️ Shrine Guide / Shrine Etiquette

Komainu Guardians

Komainu Lion-Dogs (狛犬 - Komainu)

Komainu Guardians

📖 Meaning & Etiquette

The pair of stone guardian lion-dogs standing at the entrance or altar of Shinto shrines. They ward off evil spirits, typically with the right beast opening its mouth ('A') and the left closing its mouth ('Un').

💡 Cultural Background

Historically inspired by ancient Egyptian Sphinxes, the concept traveled along the Silk Road through China and Korea before adapting into unique Japanese shrine protectors.

💬 Useful Conversation Phrases

Simply pass by them quietly. Note their facial shapes: the open-mouthed 'A' representing beginnings, and closed-mouthed 'Un' representing endings—the origin of the Japanese phrase 'A-Un no kokyū' (in perfect sync).

右側の狛犬は口を開けていて、左側は閉じているのは、「阿吽（あうん）」の始まりと終わりを表しているんですよ。 / 神社の狛犬をペットのように触ったり乗ったりするのは避けてくださいね。

🔊 The right guardian has its mouth open and the left has it closed, representing 'A-Un', the beginning and ending of all things. / Avoid touching or climbing on the shrine lion-dogs as if they were play equipment.

❓ Bilingual Shrine Quiz

What is the correct combination of mouth shapes for the pair of Komainu lion-dogs?

Recommended Learning Resources

VOCAB N5 Vocabulary Practice → KANJI N5 Kanji Stroke Practice → GRAMMAR N5 Grammar Explanation →