Kochi

30/11/2015

Shikoku's Kaiyodo Kappa Museum

A fantastic 'must-see' museum in Kochi Prefecture

Por Sandra Isaka

Community writer

The kappa is a mischievous creature that is said to live in & around rivers, streams, and ponds throughout Japan.

These kappa welcome visitors to the museum. The oni, tengu, and kappa are the best-known yōkai in Japan.

The museum's location is deep within a beautiful, remote valley not far from the famous Shimanto River.

In front of the museum are hand-carved kappa (and various other creations) in all shapes, sizes and positions.

The 'natural' atmosphere of the museum is perfect for displaying forest-friendly kappa.

Although these kappa look cute and friendly, most are portrayed as dangerous. Stories of them were used to warn children of the dangers lurking in rivers and lakes.

Kappa are even 'hiding' in the floors of the museum.

On display are many whimsical and creative interpretations of kappa.

The museum has a lovely balcony, with tables, overlooking the river beside it. A small kiosk, selling simple food items, is sometimes (but not always) open.

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm, from March through October, and is open until 5pm from November through February.

It is closed on Tuesdays, except when Tuesday is a holiday - when it closes the following day. It is also closed during the New Years holidays. *It is open on Tuesdays during the Japanese school summer holidays.

Admission to the museum is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for elementary/secondary school students.

The museum is a 30 minute drive from Shimantocho-Chuo Interchange on the Kochi Expressway. It is a 45 minute walk from JR Utsuigawa Station on Shikoku's Yodo Line. It is about 2 kilometers from the Kaiyodo Hobby Museum.

The fascinating Kaiyodo Kappa Museum is dedicated to one of Japan's best-known mythological creatures, and is a 'must-see' for anyone traveling to Kochi Prefecture. Opened in July 2012, in the same remote valley of Shikoku as Kaiyodo's Hobby Museum, this wonderful sightseeing spot has over 1,300 kappa figures on display in a lovely wooden structure that sits at the fork of two converging rivers.

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Sandra Isaka

Por Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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