Gundam manhole covers installed at one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Two new “Gundam Manholes” have been installed in the town of Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

The installation is part of the ongoing “Gundam Manhole Project,” a nationwide initiative that donates unique manhole covers featuring mobile suits from the Gundam franchise to various municipalities.

The project is a collaboration with local governments, designed to boost domestic tourism and serve as a symbol of the bond between the long-running franchise and its fans across generations.

The town of Hiraizumi is a location of great historical and cultural significance and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of temples, gardens, and archaeological sites.

The two new manhole covers fuse the world of the classic anime with this historic setting.

The designs of the new manhole covers are as follows:

RX-78-2 Gundam

This manhole cover features the iconic original Gundam alongside a depiction of the Muryōkō-in Ato, the ruins of a historic temple.

It is located near 112-2 Kararaku, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-chō, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture.

MSM-07 Z’Gok

This cover features the amphibious mobile suit, the Z’Gok, paired with the famous Mōtsū-ji Temple and its Pure Land Garden.

It is located near 112-5 Shirayama, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-chō, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture.

This installation offers a unique reason for fans to visit the historic town and see the modern pop culture icons integrated into the landscape of a World Heritage Site.

If you’re not able to visit Hiraizumi, you can always head to Himeji, Matsuyama, Mito or Komoro, each of which has their own versions of the Gundam manholes.