The tanuki, commonly referred to as a "raccoon dog" in English, has been beloved by the Japanese for centuries and is common throughout the islands. A good natured prankster, he often shows up in folk tales as a begging monk and is commonly pictured resting cups and other items on his most characteristic feature: a pair of outlandishly large and magical testicles that can transform into any tool or disguise needed.
Yanagimori Shrine
2-15-1 Kandasudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5BTyD4VIAAbOhI?format=jpg&name=large)