photos: October 3, 2026 ©Japanbyweb.com
Among the many unique things you can discover while walking around Japan are its beautifully designed manhole covers. Far from being ordinary street infrastructure, many of them feature colourful and original designs that have become small works of art. Τhese decorative covers feature local scenery, landmarks, traditional symbols, anime characters and other designs connected to the area where they are located. According to Japan Ground Manhole Association, about 16 million manhole covers are installed today across Japan.
TOKYO Design Manhole Digital Rally
Tokyo is home to a remarkable variety of designs spread across the city’s 62 municipalities. From July 10, 2026 to March 31, 2027, you can discover these colourful pieces of street art through the TOKYO Design Manhole Digital Rally. It features more than 100 Design Manholes and tourist spots across Tokyo. Participants can explore different parts of the capital, scan the manhole artwork and collect digital stamps as they go. There are also prizes to be won, making the event an additional incentive to discover parts of Tokyo that visitors might otherwise overlook.
Special exhibition at Anime Tokyo Station
A special exhibition connected with the rally is held at Anime Tokyo Station in Ikebukuro on October 3-4, 2026. The exhibition will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with last admission at 6:45 p.m.
Admission is free.
