Tono's Yokai Spot "Kappa Pond" - Can you get a kappa fishing permit and go kappa fishing? [Tono City, Iwate Prefecture]

, the founder of Japanese folklore studiesKunio Yanagitaby"Tono Monogatari"since the publication of"homes of yokai (supernatural beings)"Tono City in Iwate Prefecture has become famous as

, which could be said to be the most famous yokai(supernatural creature), there are many legends about14 placesthere are

the most famous of the Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pools),"Jōkenji Temple's Kappa-buchi."we'll introduce

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The entrance to Kappabuchi is located within the grounds of Jokenji Temple

Many places where kappa live appear in Kunio Yanagita's Tono Monogatari, but the most famous of these is Kappa Pond at Jokenji Temple, which attracts many tourists every year in the hope of encountering kappa

Jokenji Temple is a little far from the center of Tono City, but it can be reached in about 10 minutes by bus from Tono Station

Near Denshoen Garden, where you can purchase a kappa capture permit (described later), is a sign for Kappa Pool and Jokenji Temple. If you go down this narrow path, you will find Kappa Pool

thatthe parking lot at Jōkenji Temple is reserved for temple parishioners, and visitors are instructed to park their cars at the Denshōen Garden and access the temple on foot.

The main hall of Jokenji Temple. Both the gate and the main hall are magnificent. You can access Kappabuchi by entering the temple grounds and going behind the main hall on the left side

There are many wooden carvings of kappa in the main hall

has a depression on top of its head resembling a kappa's plate"Kappa Komainu" (Kappa Guardian Dog). It's no surprise, considering the temple's connection to kappas.

In fact, the origin of these Komainu is said to be that when Jokenji Temple caught fire a long time ago, the kappa at Kappabuchi put out the fire, and the head priest at the time began to enshrine them as a token of gratitude

There is a signpost to Kappabuchi next to the main hall, so you shouldn't get lost

Once you reach the Kogarase River (Kappabuchi), you will see the Kappabuchi Bridge. Once you cross this bridge, you will find a beautiful path along the edge of the river

The river flows slowly, and the rustling sound is soothing to the ears. While sunny days are usually preferred for sightseeing, rain creates a mysterious aura at Kappabuchi, making it seem like you might encounter a kappa

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There is a shrine dedicated to the goddess of milk, who is guarded by two kappa

After crossing the bridge and walking a short distance along Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pool), you will find a small shrine on the edge of the pool. This isthe "Milk Goddess,"and it is believed that if a woman prays here for abundant milk, her wish will be granted. In front of the shrine sit two blue kappa statues, like guardian lion-dogs.

It is customary to make breast shapes out of red cloth and offer them as offerings

Kappa are also said to be the spirits of children who died before they were even born (mizuko), which is probably where this custom originated

Many cucumbers were offered to the two kappa guarding the hall

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Get a permit and go kappa fishing

Near the shrine mentioned above, there are many fishing rods set up with cucumbers tied to the end of the line, specifically for kappa fishing. While it may seem like you can use them freely, there is a sign right next to the rods stating that you need a kappa fishing permit to fish for kappa

There are several warning signs, including one that says, "Be careful not to get pulled in by the kappa. Beautiful people in particular should be careful." So, beautiful people in particular should be careful when fishing for kappa

Kappa fishing permits can be purchased at Denshoen Garden near Kappa Pond. With this permit, you can enjoy kappa fishing with a fishing rod

There's also a touching scene where it looks like someone left their fishing rod hanging from the edge of the pond. There's a sign on the fishing rod that says, "For expert use only. Please do not touch."

summary

The area around Kappabuchi is truly filled with kappa, but behind Jokenji Temple there is also a pond called Hasuike, which was created and recreated by volunteers

This pond once stood in this area, but the amount of water in the pool decreased and it eventually disappeared. It was created in the hope that the kappa would one day return and swim around there

Anyone who encounters a kappa is considered extremely lucky, but even if you don't, it's a spot that you should definitely visit if you come to Tono

Incidentally, there's a bounty on the head for catching a kappa, and if you capture one and bring it to Tono TV... you could win a whopping10 million yen! If you're interested, why not give kappa fishing a serious try?

Kappa-buchi <Information>

• Name: Kappabuchi (Jokenji Temple)
• Address: 7 Tsuchibuchicho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0555
• Phone number: 0198-62-1333 (Tono City Tourism Association)
• Official URL:Tono City Tourism Information Site "Tono Jikan" - Kappa-buchi

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