The paired lion-dog statues commonly placed at Shinto shrine entrances are called komainu.
Komainu are guardian figures traditionally positioned in pairs, often on either side of a shrine approach or sanctuary entrance. One statue commonly has an open mouth and the other a closed mouth. These forms are often interpreted through the Buddhist “a” and “un” symbolism, representing beginning and end.
Despite their Japanese appearance, komainu developed from guardian-lion traditions that traveled across Asia from earlier Indian and Chinese sources. The name literally refers to “Korean dogs,” reflecting a historical association with imported guardian-animal imagery rather than an ordinary breed of dog.
Komainu are not the same as torii. A torii is a gate marking a transition into a sacred area, while komainu are protective statues. Styles vary by region and period, and some shrines use other guardian animals, such as foxes at Inari shrines or deer at Kasuga Taisha.