Japan: manhole covers

In Australia, manhole covers are viewed as strictly utilitarian. Here, they can be both useful and beautiful.

Here are a few I spotted about the place. (And yes, taking photographs of manhole covers makes me feel like a proper gaijin (outsider).)

Ueno park, with its avenue of cherry blossom trees

Arisugawa Park, with the tea house in the middle of the pond

In the street where we're staying

A smaller version, also in Hiro-o

Near Kanbayashi Onsen, walking to the monkey park

Nagano