Three Frogs
Japan Explained

三猿ならぬ三蛙

Three Frogs

Link copied

Temple · Sasaguri

Stop 17 of 20

Explore all of Nanzo-in Temple

Select language · 言語を選択

A group of humorous stone statues depicting the familiar "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" in the form of frogs, arranged from left to right as see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil frogs.

A charming group of stone frog statues that playfully reimagine the famous "Three Monkeys" (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) known from Nikko Toshogu and other sites. The frogs represent good fortune through a clever pun—the Japanese word for frog, "kaeru," also means "to return." Arranged left to right, they depict the "see-no-evil frog" covering its eyes, the "hear-no-evil frog" covering its ears, and the "speak-no-evil frog" covering its mouth. This delightfully whimsical corner naturally brings smiles to visitors' faces. Hand-knitted yarn caps gifted by worshippers further enhance their endearing charm.

More at this location

Kōyasan Oku-no-in legend

Kōyasan Oku-no-in legend

Great Fudō Myōō

Great Fudō Myōō

Nyonin Tensho-do Hall

Nyonin Tensho-do Hall

Sasaguri 88-temple pilgrimage

Sasaguri 88-temple pilgrimage

Seven Lucky Gods

Seven Lucky Gods

The Heike refugee legend

The Heike refugee legend

Lightning-struck sacred cedar

Lightning-struck sacred cedar

Nanten inari

Nanten inari

Daikokuten

Daikokuten

Lucky Cat and Water-Pouring Jizo

Lucky Cat and Water-Pouring Jizo

PreviousDaikokutenNextEbisu
Japan Explained · 日本解説

jpexplained.com