Kisarazu Tanuki Monument - Image 1
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Kisarazu Tanuki Monument

3.8
·11 reviews·Kisarazu, Japan

A charming tanuki statue in Kisarazu, encouraging visitors to 'look upside down' for new perspectives and ideas.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and appreciating details

CrowdLow
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Kisarazu Tanuki Monument - Image 1

Kisarazu Tanuki Monument

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and appreciating details

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming tanuki statue in Kisarazu, encouraging visitors to 'look upside down' for new perspectives and ideas.

3.8
(11 reviews)

"This quirky tanuki statue is a fun reminder to change your perspective and embrace new ideas!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Selfie Spot Alert!

This quirky statue is a popular spot for fun selfies. Try different angles!

🤔 Reflect on the Message

Take a moment to read Kinuta-kun's message about changing perspectives.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kinuta-kun's Upside-Down Stance

Kinuta-kun's Upside-Down Stance

Kisarazu Station West Exit Rotary

A charming tanuki statue performing a handstand, symbolizing a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Inspirational Message

Inspirational Message

Base of the monument

Read the plaque encouraging visitors to change their viewpoint and find new solutions.

Connection to Shojoji Temple

Connection to Shojoji Temple

Near Shojoji Temple

Discover the cultural roots of the tanuki theme, inspired by Noguchi Ujo's famous poem.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace a New Perspective

This unique monument encourages visitors to literally and figuratively 'look upside down' to gain new insights. It's a quirky reminder to approach challenges with fresh ideas, making it a thought-provoking stop.

Proximity to Shojoji Temple

The Kisarazu Tanuki Monument is closely linked to the historic Shojoji Temple, famous for its Tanuki Bayashi (raccoon dog music). Consider visiting both for a richer cultural experience.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for photos and appreciating details
Crowd
Low
When
Evening
Why
Atmospheric with station lights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Selfie Spot Alert!

This quirky statue is a popular spot for fun selfies. Try different angles! Reddit

🤔 Reflect on the Message

Take a moment to read Kinuta-kun's message about changing perspectives. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine your visit with Shojoji Temple for a deeper cultural dive. Reddit

💡 Embrace the Quirky

It's not just a statue; it's a symbol of creative thinking! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Selfie Spot Alert!

This quirky statue is a popular spot for fun selfies. Try different angles! Reddit

🤔 Reflect on the Message

Take a moment to read Kinuta-kun's message about changing perspectives. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine your visit with Shojoji Temple for a deeper cultural dive. Reddit

💡 Embrace the Quirky

It's not just a statue; it's a symbol of creative thinking! Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Kisarazu Tanuki Monument to be a charming and thought-provoking public art piece. Its unique upside-down stance and inspirational message about changing perspectives are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While small, it's appreciated for its cultural connection to local folklore and its role as a fun photo opportunity.

"Kinuta-kun Statue
1-2-3 Chuo, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture 292-0067

Visited on August 15, 2025.
I've used Kisarazu Station many times to visit the Kisarazu Fireworks Festival, but I never noticed it.
This time, since I had some time before the fireworks, I noticed this sign and headed to Shoseiji Temple.
I've transcribed the sign below.

Kinuta-kun, the Upside-Down Raccoon

Kinuta-kun's Message
Sometimes, try looking upside down.
You'll see things you couldn't see before.
When each citizen looks at this city with a new perspective,
even if their individual efforts are small, they will become a powerful force.
Only citizens who make an effort can have a city with good fortune.
Let's all try looking upside down!

As in Ujo Noguchi's children's song, the monk and the raccoon dogs dance all night on a moonlit night.
Among them is a raccoon named "Kinuta-kun" who is dancing happily and even doing a handstand.

Shoshosei-ji Temple, the garden at Shoshosei-ji Temple is a moonlit night, come on out everyone, my friends yabonhokoponnopon"

千葉落花生

"Tanuki Kinuta: The name may seem simple, but

It's far more impressive than the abstract art pieces and nude bronze statues that often line train stations.

Kisarazu has many ties to the area, including Shosei-ji Temple and Kirare Yozaburo.

Perhaps the tanuki at Shosei-ji Temple is a historical mascot.

I'm envious of towns with so much to promote."

ともぞう

"Kinuta the Upside-Down Tanuki
Sometimes it's good to look at things upside down.
You'll surely see things you couldn't see before.
When each citizen looks at this city with a new perspective, even their individual contributions, however small, will become a powerful force.
Only citizens who make an effort themselves can have a city full of good fortune.
So, let's all look upside down!"

梅雨咲

What People Like

Unique upside-down tanuki
Inspirational message
Fun photo spot

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The monument is conveniently located at the west exit rotary of Kisarazu Station. It's easily accessible by train, making it a straightforward stop for travelers. Reddit

While the monument is at the station's rotary, there are likely parking facilities available at or near Kisarazu Station for those arriving by car. It's best to check local station parking information. Reddit

Yes, the monument is situated right at the west exit rotary of Kisarazu Station, so it's a very short walk from the station platforms. Reddit

Kisarazu Station is served by various JR lines, making it accessible from major cities in the Kanto region. Check your local train schedules for direct routes or transfers. Reddit

Absolutely! As it's located in the main station rotary, it's a prominent landmark and very easy to spot upon exiting the west side of Kisarazu Station. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Kisarazu Tanuki Monument is a public art installation located in the station's rotary, so there is no admission fee. You can visit it anytime. Reddit

As it's an outdoor monument in a public space, it's accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience. Reddit

There is no entrance fee. The monument is a free-to-access public artwork. Reddit

Yes, the monument is always accessible. However, Kisarazu Station might be busier during major holidays or local events. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but as it's in a public transport hub, please be mindful of ongoing train operations and other travelers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Try capturing the tanuki in its upside-down pose from various angles. Getting low or looking up can emphasize its unique stance. Reddit

Yes, the station's rotary provides a backdrop, and the monument itself is a fun subject. Consider including the station architecture in your shots. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular spot for selfies, especially with the tanuki's playful pose. Reddit

Visiting during off-peak hours, like early morning or late evening, might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed photos. Reddit

Any modern smartphone or camera will do. The key is to experiment with angles to capture the monument's charm. Reddit

🎫 💡 Inspiration & Meaning

The monument, featuring Kinuta-kun, encourages visitors to adopt a new perspective and think creatively, symbolizing that small individual efforts can lead to significant positive change. Reddit

Kinuta-kun is a tanuki character inspired by Noguchi Ujo's poem 'The Tanuki Bayashi of Shojoji Temple.' The statue depicts him doing a handstand, representing a change in viewpoint. Reddit

It's tied to the local heritage, particularly Noguchi Ujo's famous poem and the nearby Shojoji Temple, celebrating the tanuki as a cultural symbol. Reddit

Yes, it's viewed as a piece of public art that carries a meaningful message, often contrasted favorably with more abstract installations. Reddit

It's a well-known children's song by Noguchi Ujo that tells a whimsical story about tanuki dancing at Shojoji Temple, a theme that resonates with this monument. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kisarazu Tanuki Monument is a fun and engaging stop for families. The quirky, upside-down tanuki statue is sure to capture children's imaginations and provides a great opportunity for playful photos. The simple, positive message about changing perspectives is also easy for kids to grasp, making it a lighthearted educational moment. Reddit

Combine your visit with a short walk to the nearby Shojoji Temple, which has its own connection to tanuki folklore through Noguchi Ujo's famous song. This can turn a quick photo stop into a mini cultural adventure for the whole family. It's a low-key, accessible attraction that adds a unique touch to any family outing in Kisarazu. Reddit

💡 Creative Thinkers & Art Lovers

For those who appreciate public art with a message, the Kisarazu Tanuki Monument is a must-see. The symbolism of Kinuta-kun's handstand as a metaphor for shifting perspective and fostering new ideas is particularly compelling. It's a piece that sparks conversation and encourages introspection, offering a refreshing break from more conventional tourist sights. Reddit

Art enthusiasts will also appreciate its charm, especially when contrasted with more abstract or modern installations. The connection to local folklore and the nearby Shojoji Temple adds another layer of cultural depth. It’s a reminder that art can be found in unexpected places and carry profound, yet accessible, meanings. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Symbolism of Kinuta-kun

The Kisarazu Tanuki Monument, featuring the character Kinuta-kun, is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of creative thinking and the importance of perspective. The monument's central message, often inscribed at its base, encourages visitors to 'try looking upside down' to discover new ways of seeing things. This philosophy suggests that by shifting our viewpoint, even small individual efforts can contribute to a more fortunate and prosperous community. It's a gentle nudge towards innovation and problem-solving, reminding us that sometimes the most obvious solutions are found by looking at things from an entirely different angle. Reddit

This concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where tanuki are often depicted as mischievous but also wise and capable of transformation. Kinuta-kun's handstand is a playful yet profound representation of this ability to change one's stance and perception. Visitors often find this message particularly resonant when facing personal or professional challenges, seeing the monument as a quirky muse for fresh ideas. Reddit

Cultural Connections to Shojoji Temple

The Kisarazu Tanuki Monument is intrinsically linked to the Shojoji Temple, a significant local landmark. The temple is famously associated with Noguchi Ujo's beloved children's song, 'The Tanuki Bayashi of Shojoji Temple' (しょうじょうじのたぬきのばやし). This song tells a lively tale of tanuki dancing and revelry on a moonlit night, making the tanuki a beloved mascot for the region. Reddit

Visiting the monument can serve as an excellent introduction to this cultural heritage. Many visitors find that understanding the context of the song enhances their appreciation of Kinuta-kun. The proximity of the monument to the temple allows for a combined excursion, offering a deeper dive into Kisarazu's cultural identity. It's a chance to connect with local folklore and appreciate how art and literature can be celebrated in public spaces. Reddit

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