The Shortest Route Connecting Ueno and Asakusa
Kappabashi Street is a 1.2 kilometer road which connects Asakusa's Kokusai-Dori and Showa-Dori near Ueno Station, Iritani. Originally, it was constructed as a sacred path for the high-ranking priests of Kanei Temple to worship the Senso-ji Temple. Since the Edo Period (1603-1968), Asakusa has becomethe leading entertainment district for the average person. During the Meiji(1868-1912) and Taisho period (1912-1926), the Kappabashi-dori flourished with people, day in and day out. There was even a "Basha Tetsudo"(Horse Carriage Railway) constructed during the Meiji period.
With the current development of transportation such as the subway systems, this main street connecting Asakusa and Ueno has become less and less acknowledged. However, there still remains a feel of the past. Kappabashi-Hondori is full of history and many stores with unique qualities. The more you walk through the Kappabashi Street, the more you will be able to make wonderful discoveries. Kappa (water imp) figures appear everywhere on shops along the the street. Why not come and stroll along the Kappabashi Street to enjoy the old town atmosphere of the Showa period.
The Origin of "Kappabashi" (Kappa Bridge)
There are two stories for why this bridge is called, "Kappabashi".
One is a story of Kihachi, the raincoat merchant who contributed greatly to construct the Shinhori River. (Shinhorikawa River does not exist anymore)
Over 200 years ago, this area was flooded every time it rained and people were over a barrrel with this badly-drained land. So Kiihachi decided to invest his money to construct a canal for water management. But he was faced with great difficulties during the construction. Witnessed by the sympathetic Kappas (water imps) of Sumida River (touched by Kihachi's conscience), the project was completed with great help from the Kappa. In the Sougen Temple which is known as the "Kappa Temple", You can find Kihachi, the raincoat (also pronounced, "Kappa") merchant's grave.
Another story takes place in the Iyo Shintani Katou residence's outhouse near the bridge. The low ranking warriors residing in the outhouse said to have had side jobs making raincoats. (again, the "Kappa")
It is said that they used to hang those raincoats (the "Kappa") on the bridge. This is how this bridge ended up being named "Kappabashi".