The site is situated directly behind the historic Joken-ji Temple.
Local legend claims that a kappa once attempted to drag a horse into the pool, only to be frightened away by the horse's strength.
The water is part of the Sarugaishi River system, which flows through the heart of Tono's rural landscape.
A 'Kappa Catching Permit' is sold at nearby local shops as a humorous souvenir for tourists.
The pool’s deep green color is attributed to the reflection of the overhanging willow trees and the depth of the stagnant water.
The surrounding Tono region is the setting for Kunio Yanagita's foundational book, 'The Legends of Tono'.
Kappabuchi Pool is a secluded, willow-shaded stream in Tono City historically associated with local Japanese folklore regarding kappas, mythical water-dwelling creatures. The site features a small shrine dedicated to the kappa located near the banks of the Sarugaishi River tributary. Local tradition holds that visitors can leave cucumber offerings at the shrine to appease the spirits. The area is maintained as a natural, narrow waterway surrounded by dense, moss-covered greenery. Wooden statues and wooden plaques depicting kappas are placed throughout the vicinity. The pool itself is part of a broader regional effort to preserve Tono’s storytelling legacy, known as the 'City of Folklore'.
From the small wooden footbridge looking down into the dark, mossy pool.
Bring a cucumber if you wish to participate in the traditional offering ritual at the shrine.
Wear insect repellent, as the damp, shaded environment is a common habitat for mosquitoes in summer.
Visit during the early morning to experience the atmosphere without crowds.
Do not attempt to swim in the pool, as the water is considered sacred and the depths are hazardous.
Respect the quiet nature of the site and the sacred status of the small shrine.
