Komainu

Komainu is a creature that people believe may protect temples and shrines in Japan. It is a mix between a dog and a lion that has a fierce expression and sharp claws, but it is not a real animal that you can see in the wild. Komainu statues are usually made of stone and are placed at the entrance of temples or shrines to scare away evil spirits and protect the space inside. People would bow in front of them to show their respect and to ask for good luck or blessings. Think of them as a kind of magical guard dog that keeps the bad guys away from the sacred place!