Sogenji Temple Kappa-dera
Discover Sogenji Temple, a unique shrine dedicated to the kappa, featuring a legendary preserved arm and charming statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Empty and peaceful
Sogenji Temple Kappa-dera
Best Time
Empty and peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Sogenji Temple, a unique shrine dedicated to the kappa, featuring a legendary preserved arm and charming statues.
"Interesting temple to know more about Japanese folklore, with the kappa's arm inside."
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
The temple is often closed to tourists; book an appointment to see inside. :ticket:
🥒 Offer a Cucumber
Leave a cucumber offering to the kappa! It's a fun tradition. :cucumber:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Kappa's Arm
Inside the temple
See the legendary preserved arm of a kappa, a mythical Japanese creature. A unique glimpse into folklore.
Kappa Statues
Temple grounds
Admire the charming sculptures of kappa, the turtle-frog like yokai, scattered around the temple.
Historical Significance
Temple grounds
Discover a temple with a rich history, originally built in 1588 and relocated several times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kappa's Arm & Reservations
Location & Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
The temple is often closed to tourists; book an appointment to see inside. :ticket:
🥒 Offer a Cucumber
Leave a cucumber offering to the kappa! It's a fun tradition. :cucumber:
Is 9-10am a good time to visit Sensoji Temple?
Visiting Sensō-ji temple in Tokyo with elderly parents…
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Asakusa
It's a pleasant walk from Senso-ji Temple, perfect for a day trip. :walking:
📸 Glimpse from Outside
If you can't get an appointment, you can still see the kappa arm from outside. :camerawithflash:
Asakusa Advice
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Entry
The temple is often closed to tourists; book an appointment to see inside. :ticket:
🥒 Offer a Cucumber
Leave a cucumber offering to the kappa! It's a fun tradition. :cucumber:
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Asakusa
It's a pleasant walk from Senso-ji Temple, perfect for a day trip. :walking:
📸 Glimpse from Outside
If you can't get an appointment, you can still see the kappa arm from outside. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sogenji Temple Kappa-dera to be an interesting and unique stop, particularly for its connection to Japanese folklore and the legendary kappa's arm. While the inner temple often requires advance booking, the exterior grounds with their charming kappa statues are accessible and enjoyable. Some feel it's a quick visit, while others appreciate it as a quirky cultural detour.
"My friend and I walked to the temple from Asakusa Market on our way to Ueno Park. For that reason, I thought the stop was worth it.
Photography by Jason Taylor"
Amy Shafer
"Feels weird to review a temple, but stopped by to leave an offering of a cucumber and was able to glimpse the kappa hand from outside without making an appointment. Came on the autumn solstice and it was nice and empty."
Patrick Shaffer
"Interesting temple. It was originally built in 1588 in Marunouchi. It changed location several times after being finally established in its current location in 1657. There are some sculptures of kappa, a Japanese yōkai that looks like a mix of a turtle and a frog. It allegedly has the arm of a kappa inside the temple. You can actually check it. It’s an interesting place to visit to know more about Japanese folklore."
Luis M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sogenji Temple is a short and pleasant walk from the main Asakusa area, including Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise street. It's also close to Kappabashi Kitchen Town. Many visitors combine a visit here with their Asakusa exploration.
Yes, the temple is accessible via public transport. The nearest subway stations are Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line) or Iriya Station (Hibiya Line), both within a 10-15 minute walk.
It's a bit of a walk from Ueno Park, but doable if you enjoy longer strolls. Some visitors have walked from Asakusa towards Ueno Park and stopped by the temple along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple grounds and to see the kappa statues is generally free. However, the inner temple where the kappa's arm is preserved is often closed to casual visitors and requires an appointment.
Information on how to make an appointment is not widely publicized online. It's best to inquire locally or check if there are any contact details available on temple-related websites or through local tourist information centers.
The temple grounds with the kappa statues are usually accessible during daylight hours. However, the inner temple is typically only open by reservation, and specific hours for that are not consistently available.
While the grounds are generally free to access, there might be a small fee or donation requested if you are able to secure an appointment to enter the inner sanctum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the exterior grounds and the kappa statues is generally permitted. However, restrictions may apply inside the inner temple, especially if you have an appointment. Always be respectful of the sacred space.
The charming kappa statues on the temple grounds offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the unique atmosphere of this folklore-focused temple is key.
🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience
The main draw is the legend of the kappa's arm, a preserved relic said to belong to a kappa. The temple also features numerous kappa statues and is dedicated to Japanese folklore.
Yes, visitors can leave offerings, most famously a cucumber, which is traditionally associated with kappa. This is a popular and fun activity for visitors.
The temple grounds can be quiet, especially if you visit outside of peak tourist times or on weekdays. If you manage to get an appointment for the inner temple, it's likely to be a more intimate experience.
A kappa is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, often depicted as a green, humanoid being with a shell like a turtle and a dish-like depression on its head that must be kept filled with water. They are said to inhabit rivers and lakes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the inner temple might require an appointment, the accessible grounds provide plenty to see and do. It's a great way to introduce children to unique cultural elements in a lighthearted and accessible manner, especially when combined with a visit to the nearby bustling areas of Asakusa.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Asakusa
Even without an appointment, you can still experience the temple's unique character by viewing the kappa statues and understanding the folklore. It's an ideal spot for a quick, intriguing stop that adds a layer of local legend to your Tokyo exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Kappa
This temple offers a unique opportunity to delve into this aspect of Japanese mythology. The most famous relic housed within Sogenji is the alleged preserved arm of a kappa. While access to see this relic often requires a pre-arranged appointment, the temple grounds themselves are adorned with various kappa statues, providing a charming and whimsical atmosphere for visitors. It's a place where history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural converge.
Visiting Sogenji Temple: Practicalities
For those who wish to see the kappa's arm and explore the temple more deeply, making an appointment in advance is crucial. Information on how to book these appointments can be scarce, so it's advisable to check with local tourist information centers or any available temple contact details. If you're visiting as part of a larger itinerary in Asakusa, Sogenji Temple is an easy and worthwhile detour, often visited on the way to or from other major attractions like Senso-ji Temple or Kappabashi Kitchen Town.
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