Look down, not up, as you walk. But only if you’re headed to the Japanese Manhole Cover Festival happening in Tokyo. If you love Japanese manhole covers as much as we do, you’ll be excited to learn that the extravaganza will include everything from actual manhole covers and manhole cover goods (like doormats, miniatures, collector cards) to manhole cover cookies and snacks.
Japanese manhole covers are packed with history, culture and design, which makes them the perfect subject to celebrate. Actual manhole covers from all around Japan, as well as collector’s items, will descend on Tokyo this coming weekend. The festivities are taking place on the ground floor of Shinjuku Takashimaya department store from February 1 – February 3, 2019.
That’s definitely not enough time to celebrate manhole covers but there is a satellite exhibition going on right next door at Tokyu Hands Shinjuku. There, on the 7th floor, you’ll find a section dedicated manhole cover goods and collectables, which will be open through February 24, 2019.
manhole cover cookies 
manhole cover macarons
January 30, 2019 at 11:16 pm
I should call your attention to my Blurb picture book on the topic I put together after one trip to Japan. I found them so fascinating.
January 31, 2019 at 10:07 am
Thank you for the interesting article. Where can the iron shown in your photos be purchased?
January 31, 2019 at 10:59 pm
I was in Hiroshima last year and didn’t realise until a few weeks ago that the picture on the shirt I bought there is of a manhole cover promoting the Hiroshima Carp baseball team.