Kappa-dera, Buddhist temple in Matsugaya, Japan.
The Sogen-ji temple incorporates elements of water mythology through its association with kappa, amphibious creatures from Japanese folklore that inhabit freshwater environments.
Founded in 1588 as a Soto Zen temple in Marunouchi, the structure relocated multiple times before settling in Matsugaya following the Great Fire of 1657.
Local merchants leave cucumber offerings at the temple altar, maintaining the connection with kappa creatures according to regional customs and beliefs.
Visitors can reach the temple grounds through Inaricho or Iriya subway stations, with public access available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The temple preserves what it claims to be a mummified kappa hand and displays ceiling illustrations created by artist Osamu Tezuka.
Location: Matsugaya
Inception: 1588
Address: 東京都台東区松が谷3-7-2 111-0036
Website: https://sogenji.jp
GPS coordinates: 35.71524,139.78645
Latest update: March 8, 2025 01:57
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