In most countries, you’d never give a manhole cover a second glance. But in Japan, the designs on those metal disks encircled by cement are surprisingly ornate. Most are so beautiful, you’ll have to be careful not to spend the entire day looking at the ground. Now people all over the world can enjoy Japan’s stompable artwork thanks to Hirake! Manhole, a brand new website showcasing manhole cover art across Japan.
The site opened a few days ago on February 1 and not only includes photos of manhole covers, but articles and information too. Visitors of the site can even upload their own photos, making Hirake! Manhole an expanding archive. The site also includes the location of each manhole cover, allowing anyone interested to check out these works of art in person. Let’s take a look at just a few!
▼ Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
▼ Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
▼ Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
▼ Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture
▼ Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
▼ Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture
Not all manhole covers in Japan have color, but even the all-metal ones are beautiful.
▼ Meguro Ward, Tokyo
▼ Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture
▼ Dazaifu City, Fukuoka-ken
▼ Higashikurume, Tokyo
▼ Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Now back to the colored ones!
▼ Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture
▼ Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture
▼ Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
There’s more where that came from! Head on over to Hirake! Manhole and view six pages of uncommonly beautiful manhole covers from all over Japan.
Source: NetLab
Images: Hirake! Manhole
Japan’s new manhole cover T-shirts let you show off your local prefectural pride
Beautiful vintage Japanese manhole covers being offered for sale by Aichi city【Photos】
Saitama Prefecture scores its first Pokémon manhole covers in Tokorozawa City
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Pokémon manhole covers are taking over streets in Japan!
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
New Pokémon manhole covers starring Chansey are set to bring good luck to Fukushima
Pokémon manhole covers come to Fukuoka with eight species appearing in Kitakyushu
Two teen boys in Japan arrested for vandalizing Love Live! anime manhole cover
“Manhole Cards,” Japan’s new collectible card game craze features artistic sewer covers
Five new Pokémon manhole covers arrive in Tottori Prefecture, now with one in every municipality
Pokémon manhole covers make their debut in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture
Osaka finally gets its own Pokémon manhole covers with team of Electric/Steel-types
Awesome new Gundam manhole covers coming to Japanese prefecture for first time
Pokémon come to real-life Johto region with new Pokémon manhole covers for Nara【Pics】
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to Japan’s snowy Hokkaido Prefecture!
Pokémon manhole covers spreading with eight new Pokéfuta in Miyazaki
Fun’s over—Japanese city removes anime girl manhole covers after repeated vandalism
Eight new Pokémon manhole covers featuring Vulpix spawn in snowy Hokkaido Prefecture
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers have Sandshrew welcoming you to an often forgotten part of Japan
Japan’s Pokémon manhole covers travel to you in new line of mugs, replicas, and other merch【Pics】