If you've ever had the pleasure of strolling through the Japanese countryside, you've likely been treated to a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and even scents that can sometimes make it seem as if you've been spirited away by nature. Some of the most rewarding finds, however, aren't in plain sight. Collector, photographer, and nature enthusiast sakanakudo helps shine a light on those hidden wonders by taking pictures of the tiny ecosystems inside Japanese drainage pipes: miniature gardens and animal homes!

Sloping walls and structures such as these are found everywhere in hilly areas of Japan, and are meant to retain soil and mud from overflowing into the streets and larger versions help prevent mudslides and flooding. They're also equipped with drainage pipes, and while you might not think twice of them as you pass them by, they often tiny worlds of green life that sakanakudo has taken some beautiful photography of.

It's not simply these vibrant mini-gardens that await willing explorers inside, however, as sakanakudo also shows off the interesting insects and reptiles that sometimes take up shelter in such drainage pipes.

If you're ever walking around the Japanese countryside, keep an eye out for these drainage pipes as they might pack some hidden scenery for you to take in. You can also follow @sakanakudo on Twitter for more beautiful photography.