Kappa-dera, Buddhist temple in Matsugaya, Japan.
Kappa-dera is a Buddhist temple in Matsugaya dedicated to veneration of kappa, mythical water creatures from Japanese folklore. The temple's interior and altars reflect this distinctive spiritual focus through various religious elements and displays.
The temple was established in 1588 as a Zen sanctuary and experienced several relocations throughout the city. Its current location in Matsugaya was fixed following a major urban fire in the 1600s.
The temple maintains a living connection to kappa veneration through practices rooted in local folk beliefs about water spirits. Visitors observe how these traditions remain part of the community's daily spiritual life.
The temple is accessible on foot from Inaricho or Iriya subway stations and welcomes visitors during daylight hours. Plan your visit during opening hours to ensure full access to the grounds and interior.
The temple preserves a mysterious object claimed by local tradition to have originated from a kappa. Additionally, artistic ceiling paintings created by a renowned artist embellish the interior space.
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