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Kappabuchi Pool / Jokenji Temple

Behind Jokenji runs Kappabuchi Creek, where a folklore says Kappa, the monster, lived.

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Jokenji Temple is in Tono where folklores are handed down, such as Oshira-sama, Kappa and Zashiki Warashi. Tono Monogatari, authored by Kunio Yanagida, depicts some spots in this city. The book tells quite a few stories of Kappa, one of which takes place at Kappabuchi.

Jokenji is a historical Soto Sect’s temple opened in 1490. Behind this old temple, a creek runs, which is called Kappabuchi. A folklore talks about many Kappas living here and teased people. The creek is covered with thick greens and it looks as if such a monster could still live there. Nearby, a small shrine for a nursing god stands. It is said that offering a gift covered with red cloth in the shape of a breast there will help a mother lactate better.

Jokenji has a pair of Komainu (dog statues) which has a depression on top of their heads. When some water stays there, it makes these dogs look like Kappas, thus, the nickname of Kappa Komainu. A legend says when the temple caught fire, Kappas helped firefighters put out the fire, and the Komainu commemorates that incident.

Highlights

  • Tono City has lots of Kappa folklore. The most famous is Kappabuchi.
  • Jokenji Temple has curious Kappa Komainu statues.
  • Kappa Hunting License is available. If you go to Tono Tourism Association with Kappa, you will be rewarded 10 million yen!
  • In a 7-min walk from Kappabuchi, a facility called Denshoen offers a storytime of Tono’s folk stories.

Photos

  • The creek is heavily covered with greens and feels like Kappa may come out anytime
© Iwate Tourism Association

    The creek is heavily covered with greens and feels like Kappa may come out anytime © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Try Kappa fishing with a cuke. Copy what Uncle Kappa is doing 
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Try Kappa fishing with a cuke. Copy what Uncle Kappa is doing © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Near the Creek, a nursing god is enshrined in a hall
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Near the Creek, a nursing god is enshrined in a hall © Iwate Tourism Association

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Details

Name in Japanese
カッパ淵・常堅寺
Postal Code
028-0555
Address
7-50 Tsuchibuchicho-tsuchibuchi, Tono City, Iwate (Jokenji Temple)
Telephone
0198-62-1333 (Tono Tourism Association)
Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Directions
(1) From JR Tono Station, ride Hayachine Bus for 17 min., get off at Ashiaraigawa Stop, and walk 5 min.
(2) From JR Tono Station, ride the Hayachine Bus for 25 min., get off at Denshoen Stop, and walk 7 min.
Official Website
Official Website (English)