Singapore Merlion has a sibling statue located in Hokkaido, Japan you probably didn’t know

Merlion statue in Hokkaido, Japan (Photo: @xavierlur)

No, this is not the Singapore Merlion we are familiar with.

Believe it or not, this is in fact a Merlion sibling statue sitting near the city of Hakodate, one of the main cities on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

Here’s a closer look.

So near yet so far (Photo: @xavierlur)

According to social media influencer and photographer Xavier Lur on Twitter, the Merlion statue was erected well over 30 years ago as a symbol of friendship between the two cities.

The Japanese cousin to Singapore’s Merlion in Hakodate, Hokkaido ?? as a symbol of friendship between the two cities. This Merlion statue was erected 30 years ago. pic.twitter.com/vpxdU3LYDU

— Xavier Lur (@xavierlur) October 11, 2019

Merlion in Winter

You can also catch the Merlion covered in snow during winter in Hokkaido, a scene that we will never see in Singapore.

View this post on Instagram

One man’s vision brought two cities together in a friendship that has lasted for 25 years #HakodateSingapore #Hakodate #PassionMadePossible #VisitSingapore

A post shared by Time Traveller (forwards only) (@quekers) on Dec 12, 2017 at 5:40pm PST

Actual Location

The actual location of the Hakodate Merlion is actually in the city of Hokuto and the nearest railway station is Nanaehama Station, although it’s around a 20-minute walk away.

Here’s a 3D view of the area on Google Maps.

Screengrab from Google Maps

There’s even an indoor bath facility with a view of Hakodate Bay and Mount Hakodate next to the lonely merlion.

Nanaehama no yu public bath place (Photo: Google Maps)

So shiok.

Totally worth a visit next time you are in Hokkaido.

Singapore-Nanaehama’s Friendship Merlion

Address: 8 Chome-4 Nanaehama, Hokuto, Hokkaido 049-0111, Japan
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily