What this is
Kappa — the mischievous water sprites of Japanese folklore — take centre stage in this focused gallery exhibition featuring 18 paintings by Hakodate-born artist Ueki Soetsu. Displayed in the dedicated Ueki Soetsu Gallery within Goryokaku Tower, the works pair these mythical creatures with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, exploring how Soetsu personified kappa as symbols of Japan's rural nature and aquatic ecosystems. A compact but thematically rich show for anyone curious about how contemporary Japanese artists engage with traditional folklore imagery.
Who should go
Visitors with an interest in Japanese folklore, yokai culture, or regional fine art will get the most from this. It also suits anyone already visiting Goryokaku Tower who wants to extend their time there with a quiet cultural detour.
Good to know
The Ueki Soetsu Gallery is located within Goryokaku Tower, so entry is typically bundled with the tower's observation deck admission — check the tower's official site for the current combined ticket price. The gallery is a small, curated space, so expect an intimate viewing experience rather than a large-scale exhibition hall. Foreign visitors can purchase tickets at the tower's ground-floor ticket counter; card payment is generally accepted at Goryokaku Tower. The exhibition runs as a summer show, so confirm the closing date before visiting if you're planning a trip later in the season.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.