Kaiyodo Kappa Museum

Kappa are one of Japan’s best-known legendary creatures. They are said to be about the size of a child, and are recognizable by their green skin, small beaks, turtle shells on their backs, and the plate on the top of their heads. Kappa inhabit areas around rivers or ponds, and are tricksters who love to play pranks on humans or challenge people to sumo matches. Their favorite food is said to be cucumbers. These green creatures have appeared in legends going back hundreds of years from all around the country.
The Kaiyodo Kappa Museum pays homage to these legendary creatures, with around 600 statues and artwork on display. From kappa samurai and comical scenes to rather creepy creations, visitors will see many different sides of these cucumber-loving water sprites. Behind the museum there is a shrine dedicated to kappa, surrounded by hundreds of handmade wooden figures.
The museum itself looks like a fairytale cottage and is located in the forested mountains near the Shimanto River, the perfect place to have an encounter with one of these mythical creatures. The Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto , dedicated to the company’s super-detailed figurines, is just 5 minutes away.