In Shizuoka Prefecture, we do hold quite a few records. But in Yaizu City, one can discover a most unusual world record: the biggest collection of Kappa in the world!
First of all, for more information on Kappa/河童 you can read THIS.
At the time Mr. Tatsuo Kitano/北野龍雄さん got official recognition as a Guinness World Record holder, he had already collected no less than 7,000 items. After more than 50 years spent chasing them, however, he has accumulated more than 10,000 of them and all are exhibited in one single place!
Mr. Kitano had this house built for the sole purpose of housing his collection
Guinness record
There are crowds of them having fun in the water or welcoming you
This was my first visit but writing about 10,000 kappa in a single report being impossible, I will have to go there on a regular basis for quite some time. This time is only an introduction!
Welcome!
There is even a mock kappa temple/shrine and cemetery
Kappa under blossoming plum trees!
A real Kappa post box
A more solemn welcome
The two floors are filled to capacity down to the entrance lobby. Mr. Kitano or his wife will be there to welcome you and introduce everything during your visit.
Kappa happi/festival jackets
Mr. Kitano has been recognized by all kappa to be one of them
The official recognition as a Guinness World Record
Kappa wearing a scallop shell as their cap from Iwate prefecture, supposedly the birthplace of the Kappa
A bear-like Kappa from Hokkaido
Ladies soccer match between Japanese and American Kappa
Note their head caps
Kappa playing baseball under the watchful eyes of their Goddess
Kappa Philarmonic Band
In this river scene the human baby is Mr. Kitano who affirms he is one of the few humans having seen real kappa.
Apparently Kappa in Kyushu are well-endowed
Rural fun-loving Kappa
Dragon-riding Kappa and “dragon” is actually half of Mr. Kitano’s first name
Kappa drawings collection
Kappa at soba stand
Kappa playing with a “Tach-chan” kite in front of Mount Fuji
Flower-viewing party in front of Mount Fuji, remember that sake is the Kappa’s favorite drink!
Kappa family’s picnic near Mount Fuji under the cherry blossoms
Apparently all these lady Kappa are trying to force their way into a park where a single male Kappa is fishing.
Cute Kappa girls!
Kappa trophies from Taipei, Taiwan
Rewards and letters from friends and fans!
The upper floor
A Kappa painted by an American artist!
American Kappa?
Kappa fan collection
A donated sign for the museum
Painting by a very famous Japanese artist
Dangerous Kappa!
Kappa procession
Modern Kappa ladies?
Kappa dance
Cute Kappa girl!
Kappa stories!
Kappa befriending animals!
Kappa masks
Kappa portable phone pendants
Kappa ladies at a hot spring
Kappa playing with an eel
This beautiful lady has lost her soul and became a Kappa!
A dragon-flying Kappa!
Kappa trying to look after cranes and explain the situation to an unhappy carp
Another grand Kappa flying a Dragon
A colourful Kappa family
The serious business that is to all Kappa: sake or shochu drinking!
These kappas can be found hiding in an izakaya
Kappa sake bottles
Kappa One Sake Cups
Kappa imbibing with fellow monsters, can you spot it?
Here he is!
TACH-CHAN’S KAPPA MUSEUM/龍ちゃんのカッパ館
Shizuoka Prefecture, Yaizu City, Daibashira, 746-2 (Get off at Nishi Yaizu JR Station South Exit and get off the bus at Dai bashira Stop/大住バス停
静岡県焼津市大住746-2
Tel.: 054-629-7171
Opening hours: 10:00~17:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Entrance fee: 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
Call in advance if you are a big group!
Ring at entrance to be let in first!
