[Kochi Prefecture] “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum” ~The Beginning of a New Kappa Legend~

We went to “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum” in Shimanto Town, Kochi Prefecture.

It is about 3 km away from the nearest station, so you can go on foot.
I think you can also go by bus.
However, if you also want to go to “Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto”, we recommend that you use a car.
Now, let’s begin with an introduction to the “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum” located deep in the mountains.

Exterior of Kappa Museum

What is “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum”?

“Kaiyodo Kappa Museum” is a museum dedicated to “Kappa*” established by “Kaiyodo”, which is famous for its models and figurines.

*What is Kappa?
A monster that is said to live in the rivers of Japan. They are probably more like spirits.
They has characteristics such as, green skin, a plate on their head, webbing in their hands.
In some areas, there are also red Kappa.
They are good at swimming, they like cucumbers, and they often play pranks.

Kaiyodo seems to have become famous for its Chocolate Eggs figurines.
I had no connection with Chocolate Eggs, but I learned about Kaiyodo through “Hyakki-Yako Yokai Collection”.
Yokai Collection 2’s “Kappa figure that pulls out the Shirikodama*” is cool!

*What is Shirikodama?
A ball said to be in the human stomach.
It seems to be Kappa’s favorite food.
Kappa takes the ball out of the human butthole.

Kaiyodo’s founder’s father lived in Shimanto Town, so “Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto” and “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum” were built in this town.
According to the staff of “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum”, the founder loved Kappa and built a museum dedicated to it.

At the “Kaiyodo Kappa Museum”, works that have been submitted to Kappa Figure Contest, which Kaiyodo has held four times so far, are on display.
For this reason, what is on display is not Kaiyodo’s but  individual’s creations.
It was interesting to see various works because various people were making them.
Since there are 1,700 works, I heard that they are replaced several times a year.
Therefore, you can meet a new Kappa every time you visit.

Introduction of Kappa

There are already many Kappa in the exterior photo of “Kaiyodo Kappakan” above, but there are more Kappa inside the building.
For example, real Kappa.

There are also cute Kappa.

There are some Kappa that I have seen somewhere.
(Please search for “Katsushika Hokusai, Kappa”)

Maybe it’s not a Kappa.

There was also a Kappa who was caught by a bear and gave up on something.

Other attractions

There is an old-fashioned Japanese house next to the Kappa Museum, where Kappa are also relaxing.
The top photo is what it looks like.

In addition, there was Kappa Shrine behind the Kappa Museum.
Please do not forget to visit the shrine when you come to the Kappa Museum.

There is also a museum shop inside the museum, where you can purchase Kaiyodo products.

Also, it seems that you can play in the Uchii River that flows by the side.
I would love to go there on a hot summer day.
We head to Kappa Museum on the road along the river, along the way there were also many Kappa.
I drove past it quickly, but it might be a good idea to take a leisurely stroll while looking for the Kappa.

If you are lucky, you might be able to meet Kappa.
Please go to ” Kaiyodo Kappa Museum “.

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