This little tanuki lives – I assume – in the grove that houses the Dragon Bell at the top of Enoshima.

At first, I thought it was one of the island’s many feline residents coming towards me… but it was this chap. He took off into the bushes as soon as he saw me so I just muttered to myself about my bad luck getting pictures of tanuki and went about my sightseeing as intended.

On my way out though, I saw him before he saw me & I took a lot of pictures, thinking I’d only be able to see him from afar. He chilled out after a bit though. Must have realized I was taking pictures & not trying to catch him for some stew. He eventually ended coming up quite close.

Looks to me like he’s a little undernourished and in need of some TLC.