Manhole covers in Japan

マンホールの蓋

Japanese manhole covers, which come in a variety of designs depending on locality, utility type and the manufacturer of the manhole cover, have caught the imagination of a growing number of "drainspotters" from around the world.

A quick search on Google reveals the increasing number of tribute sites (see below for links) and the popularity of the cult of the manhole.

Japan's manhole covers often include a symbol specific to an area or town as part of the overall design. In Kyoto, a turtle (a symbol of wisdom and longevity) is the main motif, in addition local landmarks, festivals or flora and fauna can all be incorporated into these works of art under our feet.

If you have a manhole cover shot and wish to show it on this blog please contact us if you'd like us to display it.

Combined sewage system manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Water supply manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Decorative manhole cover, Chuo ward, Tokyo.

Fire extinguisher manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Domestic water supply manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Combined sewer system manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Fire emergency manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

NTT telecommunications manhole cover, Minato ward, Tokyo.

Nagoya manhole cover, Tenpaku ward, Nagoya.

Nagoya sewage system manhole cover, Tenpaku ward, Nagoya.

Nagoya sewage system manhole cover, Tenpaku ward, Nagoya.

Water manhole cover, Sakurae Town, Shimane.

Nagoya Fire Services manhole cover, Naka ward, Nagoya.

Nagoya manhole cover, Naka ward, Nagoya.

Kyoto manhole cover, Kita ward, Kyoto.

Izumo city manhole cover, Shimane Prefecture.

Izumo Taisha manhole cover, Shimane Prefecture.

More Manhole Covers From Japan

More Manhole Covers From Hiroshima & Shimane Prefectures

Manhole Covers from the Dogo Islands Shimane Prefecture

Drainspotting Links

Frangipani
Backspace
Friendship Society of Japanese Drainspotters
Dan Heller's Manhole Collection
Drainspotting Links