Komainu
are creatures that look like lions and are often called lion-dogs in English. Pairs are found guarding shinto shrines. Sometimes they are at the entrance and other times they are inside the shrine. The first type is called  which was made during the Edo period. This type is usually placed at the entrance. The second type is called  which is much older and is placed inside the shrine. Komainu can also be found at Buddhist temples, nobility residences or even private homes.