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Metropolis Japan
6 days ago
- General
- Metropolis Japan
Water Spirits in Japanese Folklore
It should come as no surprise that an island nation such as Japan would have a rich, flowing river of legendary tales and folklore that have streamed through the centuries of its history. Pooling into a literal ocean of infamously devilish and archetypically aquanine characters and beings, the nation's mythological memory has shaped Japan's culture, art and religion. Here are five of the most well-known Japanese water spirits. Kappa Infamous denizens of Japan's waterways, the ubiquitous kappa are reptilian humanoids famous for the small dent or plate on their heads filled with water. Overblown with a haughty sense of pride, kappa suffer from a terrible desire to be respected as proper deities; a respectful bow earns one in return, while refilling their spilled water plate grants lifelong friendship. Kappa are also keen on sumo challenges, and their above-human strength makes them formidable opponents. Offering cucumbers—a kappa's favorite food—can earn irrigation support for farmers and their fields. But beneath their fierce pride lurks a deliberate maker of trouble, expelling gas through their three openings and acting as peeping toms are popular taunts, but kappa, in bursts of anger and disgust, will often kill horses, cows and humans. Funayurei Disillusioned with their lot, funayurei boat spirits are ghost crews of sailors who've perished at sea. Spending their ocean afterlife searching for comrades to join their dispirited world, these phantasmic apparitions eerily emerge from the ocean depths during moonlit or foggy nights. They are often dressed in white funerary robes. Chilling the hearts of all onboard, stopping a funayurei attack isn't easy. These ethereal specters will demand empty buckets to sink the boat with water. However, you can stop them if you offer a bucket full of holes. Brave crews can also sail directly into the funayurei to dispel their power. Throwing provisions overboard lures them away, thanks to their gluttonous greed. Many sailors will toss an onigiri or two overboard, just to be sure… Suijin Usually sculptured from stone or metal as a fierce dragon overlooking a Shinto shrine's temizuya ablution basin, suijin water deities are the patron guardians of farmers and fishermen. People have found suijin all over the country, and worship them at shrines labelled as suitengu. Farmers regularly seek their support for irrigation and rainfall. Fishermen pray for successful catches and accident-free sea voyages. Requests and gratitude for clean drinking water and easy childbirth are also prevalent. Stone votive markers identify common suijin domains like mountain springs, dikes, wells and rice fields. A particularly famous suijin is the ever-popular water goddess, Benzaiten. This is the only female deity amongst the boat-riding Shichifukujin seven lucky deities pantheon. Her power through water eventually extended to the arts, or activities that 'flow like water.' Umibozu Despite its massive size, the mysteriousness of the umibozu may well be this marine spirit's greatest strength. Completely unknown except for their devastating effects, these jet-black 'ocean monks' are only ever seen from the shoulders up—their huge pale eyes give a chilling effect with a mayhem that is truly monstrous. Associated with storms and tsunamis, umibozu usually make their malignant marks late at night, erupting from the deep without warning. For reasons known only to them, umibozu are driven to smash ships to smithereens in a single blow or sink them with barrels of water. The only known escape is to offer an encroaching umibozu a barrel without a bottom. This is in the hopes that its momentary confusion allows the ship to sneak away. Mizuchi Powerful water world guardians, mizuchi are believed to have been born in the mists of Japan's primordial mythology. Mentioned in the country's ancient chronicles, the Nihon Shoki and the Man'yoshu collection of poems, these water dragons require proper appeasement to ensure a balanced nature as well as to ward off their terrible powers of destruction. Believed to represent the challenging relationship between people and the outer natural world, a mizuchi's awesome influence is often confronted and overcome by a hero. In one fourth-century tale, a man named Agatamori defeated a venom-spitting mizuchi that inhabited a river in the ancient Kibi province, in what is now Okayama prefecture. More recently, the most recognised mizuchi-based character may well be that of Haku in the award-winning Ghibli anime film, Spirited Away.
Japan Forward
13-07-2025
- Japan Forward
Hinduism in Japan's Shrines: Tracing Saraswati Through Time and Tradition
Buddhism and Hinduism contribute to the religious connection between Japan and India, but a deeper parallel lies in the polytheistic and syncretic nature of both countries' native religious traditions. Tokyo is full of shrines and temples, and my neighborhood has its fair share as well. Several large ones are within a 10-minute walk, but my favorite is the self-effacing Nukebenten. It stands quietly at one corner of the intersection named after it, nearly lost in the middle of the tall buildings all around. Instead of skirting the shrine, you might take the path through it, pausing to pay your respects to the deity and admire the koi in the spring-fed pool. The Nukebenten shrine and koi swimming in its natural spring pool. Nukebenten is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of all things that flow – water, eloquence, knowledge, and music – in Japanese Buddhism. Temples and shrines dedicated to Benzaiten are often built next to water bodies. One of the most famous shrines dedicated to Benzaiten is the iconic Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. It has a striking red torii gate that stands partially submerged in the Seto Inland Sea during high tide. Partially submerged torii gate of the Itsukushima Jinja in Miyajima. Itsukushima Shrine, which was built in 593 CE, originally enshrined the Munakata Sanjojin – sister deities associated with the sea, maritime safety, and prosperity in Shinto. However, after the arrival of Buddhism, the eldest of the Munakata sisters (Ichikishima-hime-no-Kami) became syncretized with Benzaiten. The Shinjuku Nukebenten is actually a branch of the Itsukushima Shrine. According to shrine records, a nobleman named Taira no Sukemichi brought the spirit of the Miyajima Benzaiten. There, he enshrined it atop a hill near the Kamakura Kaido, an ancient route connecting Edo with Kamakura, during the late Heian period (794–1185). What is now the bustling metropolis of Tokyo was largely undeveloped wilderness in those days. Itsukushima shrine provided an easy passage from north to south without having to circumvent the hill. This earned it the nickname Nukebenten, or "pass-through Benzaiten," which eventually led to it becoming associated with helping worshippers overcome life's difficulties. Path going through the Nukebenten shrine. Benzaiten in Japan is the product of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism. However, the reason for her presence in Buddhism in the first place is the result of the syncretization between Buddhism and Hinduism. Buddhism, as taught by the Buddha himself, is a nontheistic philosophy. In the centuries after the Buddha's death, however, his teachings evolved through interactions with local cultures and philosophies wherever they went, giving rise to diverse schools. The three major schools of Buddhism today are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada, practiced in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, remains closest to the Buddha's original teachings as preserved in the Pali Canon. Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, which spread north to China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet, incorporate many elements of Hinduism. Among these are Hindu deities such as Saraswati, the goddess of eloquence, music, and wisdom, who appears in Japanese Buddhism as Benzaiten. Sarasvati with alapini vina, Pala period (901–1200 CE), Pala Period, Eastern India. 1832 ukiyo-e of Benzaiten by Aoigaoka Keisei. In Hinduism, Saraswati's origin predates her identity as a goddess. She was once a mighty river flowing through northwestern India. The Rig Veda, Hinduism's most sacred scripture, is a collection of hymns and poems composed over the course of thousands of years and compiled in its present form about 3500 years ago. It has several verses dedicated to Saraswati, one of which describes her as follows: We invoke Saraswati, the slayer of mountains, who shatters mountain ridges with her forceful, roaring waves like a mighty warrior – we invoke Her protection with well-worded praise and prayers. (RV 6.61.2) Also from the Rig Veda, we know that the Vedas were composed on the banks of the River Saraswati, where the Vedic people lived, learned, and performed yajnas (fire ceremonies accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns). This led to the river also being revered as the goddess of speech, music, and wisdom in Hinduism. Rough map showing where scientists believe Saraswati flowed at the end of the last ice age. Unfortunately, the River Saraswati dried up. Geoscientists believe that what had once been a raging glacial river, bringing down Himalayan snowmelt, weakened as the Himalayan icecap receded. Sometime between 9000-4500 BCE, Saraswati ceased to be a glacial river and became rain-fed instead. Then, as the monsoons weakened, Saraswati dried up entirely by around 2300-2000 BCE. Her legacy as the goddess of eloquence, speech, music, and wisdom, however, lives on. Saraswati is only one of several Hindu deities that came to Japan as part of Buddhism during its spread from India via China and Korea. Other prominent Hindu deities worshipped in Japan include Daikokuten (associated with Mahakala, a form of Shiva), Bonten (Brahma), Daikokunyo (Kali), Kichijoten (Lakshmi), Kangiten (Ganesha), Taishakuten (Indra), Bishamonten (Kubera), and Emma-o (Yama). Although introduced through Buddhism, many of these deities have also been incorporated into Shinto, reflecting Japan's syncretism of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. The Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Good Fortune), which frequently include Benzaiten, Daikokuten, Kichijoten, and Bishamonten, exemplify this blend. Buddhism and Hindu deities certainly contribute to the religious connection between Japan and India. However, I am more struck by the deeper parallel that lies in the polytheistic and syncretic nature of both countries' native religious traditions. Both Shinto and Hinduism encourage reverence for diverse deities as manifestations of an abstract divine principle. Hinduism today is a rich tapestry of Vedic, Agamic, and Tantric traditions, seamlessly integrating their worship practices, deities, and philosophies into a composite whole embraced by most practicing Hindus. Similarly, Japanese religion combines Shinto's kami worship with elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism, and folk traditions, creating a fluid and inclusive spiritual landscape. The Nukebenten Itsukushima Shrine in Shinjuku is part of the Shinjuku Yamanote Shichifukujin pilgrimage, which became popular during the Edo period (1603–1868). In addition to Nukebenten, the pilgrimage circuit includes: Taisoji Temple, honoring Hotei Inari Kio Shrine, honoring Ebisu Eifukuji Temple, honoring Fukurokuju Hozenji Temple, honoring Jurojin Kyoji Temple, also honoring Daikokuten Zenkokuji temple, honoring Bishamonten These shrines to deities from diverse religious traditions reflect the shared polytheistic and syncretic spirit that unites Japanese and Indian religious traditions. Author: Usha Jayaraman
Metropolis Japan
12-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Enoshima Day Trip
Mount Fuji from afar with Enoshima Island in the foreground, Kamakura, Japan Tokyo may be a city of constant motion and tight corners, but it doesn't take much effort to slip away and find space to breathe. Just an hour south by train, the island of Enoshima offers a perfect day trip from Tokyo: Think caves, coastal views, shrines and seafood—all compacted into less than half a square kilometer. While technically part of Fujisawa, Enoshima has an identity all its own. Approaching the island via the Bentenbashi Bridge, it emerges from Sagami Bay like a storybook scene, famously captured in Hokusai's prints. A full Enoshima day trip can include shrine pilgrimages, cafe stops, natural wonders and local delicacies. Kanagawa, Enoshima – Dec 25, 2022: Tourists head towards the bronze torii gate of the Enoshima Shrine, leading to the Zuishinmon gate at the top end of the Benten Nakamise Shopping street Legend says that Benzaiten, goddess of music and eloquence, descended from the heavens to tame a five-headed dragon terrorizing the Shonan Coast. Enchanted by her strength, the dragon proposed, but she refused. Instead, she raised Enoshima from the sea to make it her home. Depending on the version, she may have changed her mind—but the island remains a symbol of divine power and beauty. You can visit three shrines dedicated to Benzaiten across the island: Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya and Okutsunomiya. Local lore suggests that those who visit all three in sequence may have a wish granted. Just prepare for the stairs—Enoshima is famously steep. Kamakura, Japan- 14 May, 2024: Enoshima Shrine Gatehouse in Enoshima island, Japan. This gate is named Zuishinmon. It can be taken to mean pure soul. Samuel Cocking Garden sits atop the island, named after a British merchant who bought land there during the Meiji Period. The original greenhouse has long since burned down, but today the garden features seasonal flowers like winter tulips and other rotating blooms. If visiting during the winter months, stick around after sunset for the seasonal illumination event at Samuel Cocking Garden. Thousands of lights transform the garden and Sea Candle tower into a colorful nighttime display, one of the area's most photogenic winter events. Nearby, the LON Cafe serves its well-known French toast on a renovated terrace overlooking the bay. It's a favorite rest stop for anyone craving something sweet with a view. Ryuren no Kane, the 'love bell,' sits on a scenic bluff. Couples ring it together for eternal love—though the sound is loud enough to startle even the most devoted. A good spot for a photo (and earplugs). The Sea Candle stands 60 meters above the island's summit. For ¥500 (¥250 for kids, or free with the Enopass), you can take an elevator to the dual observation decks. Clear skies offer excellent views of the Shonan Coast and, if you're lucky, Mt. Fuji. On the far end of the island lies the Iwaya Caves. These twisting tunnels reach into the island's bedrock, historically used for religious training. On calm days when the tide is low, head to the island's rocky perimeter near the caves to explore natural tide pools. You'll find small crabs, fish, and sea plants along the shore—just watch your step, as the rocks can be slippery. There are food stalls and restaurants throughout the island, especially along Nakamise Street and near the caves on Oiwayamichi. One standout is Enoshimatei, which serves shirasudon—tiny sardines over rice—alongside sashimi and tempura set meals. Another great spot is Tousha Coffee & Teishoku, a cozy and modern cafe serving seasonal teishoku (set meals), specialty coffee and homemade desserts. In the summer, they also offer handmade kakigori (shaved ice) with seasonal fruit syrups. It's tucked away on the quieter side of the island and makes a perfect stop for a relaxed lunch or afternoon break. There are plenty of street foods as well: Ika-yaki – Grilled whole squid on a stick, brushed with a sweet-savory soy-based glaze. Ebi-senbei – Pressed shrimp crackers made from whole shrimp, flattened and cooked between hot iron plates until crispy and slightly chewy. Tako-senbei – Similar to ebi-senbei, but using whole octopus flattened between iron plates. Chewy, crunchy and highly photogenic. Tako-tamago – Quail egg stuffed inside a tiny whole octopus, skewered and grilled or boiled. Sweet and savory with a fun texture contrast. Matcha Soft Cream – Smooth green tea-flavored soft serve, often sold at local shops near the shrine and garden area. Ika-yaki on Enoshima Island. Located just before the bridge to the island, Enoshima Aquarium is a popular stop for families and marine life lovers. It showcases native sea life from Sagami Bay, including a jellyfish fantasy hall and dolphin performances. The aquarium also features displays about the area's unique coastal environment and seasonal exhibits. The Enoshima 1-day pass for ¥1,100 offers access to the island's escalators, the Sea Candle observatory, Samuel Cocking Garden and Iwaya Caves. The Odakyu Limited-Express Romancecar train connects Tokyo with Enoshima, Kamakura and Hakone. From Shinjuku it's only 65 minutes to Enoshima. For more day trip ideas from Tokyo, check out our other guides: Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: A Day Trip to Okutama
