On my pilgrimage to Eighty-Eight Temples in Tokyo, I encountered the pocket monster Pikachu today. Jyoukanji Temple in Kaminakazato has a stone statue of this cute little fellow flaking the path that leads to its main hall. I asked the temple caretaker for some background story, but she could not tell me when Pikachu arrived, and just pointed out that he is very popular with the young visitors. I bet he is.

And yes, I agree it was a mistake to leave the house without a camera. I will try to find time to get back to Jyoukanji and update this entry with some pictures next weekend.

Update: There you go.