Sogenji Temple: Kappa Temple

Sogenji Temple, located in the Matsugaya area of Taito City, Tokyo, offers a delightful immersion into Japanese folklore. Known affectionately as the 'Kappa Temple' (Kappa-dera), Sogenji is dedicated to the kappa, a mythical water creature with a turtle-like appearance, deeply embedded in Japanese legends. Founded in 1588, Sogenji has moved locations several times before settling in its current location in 1657. The temple's connection to the kappa stems from the area's history of flooding from the nearby Sumida River. Legend says that a local merchant, Kihachi Kappaya, protected the inhabitants from flooding in the early 1800s, supposedly with the help of kappas from the river. Upon his death, he was buried in the temple cemetery, further solidifying the temple's association with these creatures. Although the temple building is not always open to the public, visitors can still enjoy the whimsical garden, which features various kappa statues and water features. Cucumber offerings are often left to appease the kappa, as they are believed to be their favorite food. Inside the temple, there are said to be ancient scroll paintings and even a mummified kappa hand, adding to the temple's mystique.