Sogen-ji (Kappa-ji)

Sogenji, known as Kappa-dera (Kappa Temple), is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Matsugaya, Taito Ward, Tokyo. Founded in 1624 (Kan'ei 1) with Koshiya Sozaemon as patron and Kozan as founding priest, it originally stood in Asakusa before relocating to its current site after the Great Meireki Fire of 1657. The temple earned its nickname from a legend dating to the late Edo period: when construction of the nearby Shinhori Canal faced great difficulties, a kappa (river sprite) reportedly appeared to assist the workers. This tale also gave rise to the name Kappabashi, the famous kitchenware district nearby. The principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha, and the grounds are adorned with kappa figurines and votive plaques.