Have you ever seen or been to a shrine or temple and wondered what are the two animal stone statues

Have you ever seen or been to a shrine or temple and wondered what are the two animal stone statues outside supposed to be? 

They’re komainu, or “lion dogs”! Komainu are legendary creatures that are said to be guardians of holy places. 

Their statues are often placed near the gates of a shrine, often as a couple: one male and one female. 

The male komainu is said to guard the place itself, while the female komainu protects the people inside the place. #JLMyōkaioftheday#japanloverme Art by @littlemisspaintbrush