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Ibaraki. Osaka Prefecture. Went with my friend Keiko to meet Sankon's mother. She's wonderful.

Ikeda. Osaka Prefecture. Sadly although Ikeda seems to be obsessed with wombats they don't feature on the manhole covers. This seems to be a partridge in a pear tree or something.

Ikoma. Nara Prefecture. Famous for radio waves, UFOs and brollies apparently.

Ikoma. City of the future!

Ikumi. Kochi Prefecture. Aaaaargh! I know! This couldn't be much more boring if it was training hard for the Boring Olympics but it's the only cover I've photographed in Kochi, in the only town I've been to in Kochi. So it gets in. There are only two reasons to go to Ikumi. To surf and to pick oranges. And the oranges weren't in season. Saline sinus washouts were.

Ise. Mie Prefecture. Near Geku, the Outer Shrine. It is a truly wonderful place. Beautiful buildings in an extraordinary natural setting and with an incredible atmosphere. A fascinating local guide kindly showed us around.

Ise. The day we went it drizzled most of the day so unfortunately this is the best shot I could get of this one. Featuring the shoe of my friend Masayo.

Ise. A smaller version of the main one in the area. Masayo translated for me so I knew which stones had historical interest, which ones to draw power from (including Turtle Power!) and which to avoid stepping on because they bring bad luck!

Ise. The rain actually did me a favour with this, unpainted, version. Once it had stopped drizzling (rather briefly) the rainwater gave great contrast. This one is near Gaiku, the Inner Shrine.

Ise. No idea where this one is coming from! It was the only one like it I found, again near Geku. I think it's great and especially approve of the fact that for some reason it reads "Rock!"

Ise. Essentially the same as the first one. But dry.

Ise.

Itami. Hyogo Prefecture. It has a famous pond with islands in in the shape of Japan. And a bug museum too, with a lovely butterfly house.

Itami. Usually I'm a fan of the painted covers but this one is a little OTT for me.

Itami. Much more subtle.

Izumo. Shimane Prefecture. Hometown of Dory and of the best manhole covers! They have one of Yamata no Orochi's eight heads on them. Too cool.

Izumo Taisha. A small seaside town with the oldest and second most important shrine in Japan. Recommended.

Izumo Taisha. Way cute. This is so tiny I almost missed it but it has all eight of Yamata no Orochi's heads!