【Yokai & Mystery】　 Kappa-buchi:Kappa Pool in Tono(Iwate pref.)

I went to Tono City in Iwate Prefecture. Of course, it was to meet a kappa!
　It might be obvious, but Tono is a place where kappa legends persist. Actually, it's not just about kappa; it's the hub of all kinds of "mononoke myths" in Japan.
　 For someone like me, Tono is a place I must visit on a pilgrimage every few years! 　(Nihedon @ KesaranPasaran Lab)

　

Shrine dedicated to kappa

Kappa-style guardian lion

This is an homage to Kenji Miyazawa.

He was considered a god of traffic safety.

There are many legends about Kappa.

The most famous one is that they drag humans into rivers, pull out their "shirikodama" (a life-giving orb said to be located deep inside the anus), and drown them.

This may sound like a frightening story, but in reality, it's meant to prevent children from getting too close to the river and drowning.

Besides that, there are many other legends about Kappa. For example, they enjoy "sumo_wrestling" with humans, have medicine that can instantly heal any injury, be mischievous, like cucumbers, and love "sake_alcohol"...

Kappa are the most famous supernatural creatures in Japan.

A license to catch Kappa !

Japanese sake with Kappa illustration on on the label.

Kappa on top of the mailbox

Realistic Kappa were chatting in the pond in front of the station.

　


ACCESS : About 6 km from Tono Station, 10 minutes by car, and 5 minutes walk, 30 minutes by bicycle, and 5 minutes walk

　

Official site