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.
