Station Park [Komatsushima Area] 5 minutes from City Hall by car
Komatsushima Station Park includes the Tanuki Plaza. At 5 meters tall, Komatsushima’s symbol is the world’s largest bronze tanuki (raccoon dog) statue. If you stand in front of the statue and clap your hands, a 10 meter artificial waterfall will start behind the statue. Within the vicinity of this unique structure is a promenade full of charm and many small statues that we hope visitors will enjoy.
SL Plaza (Station Park)
SL Memorial Plaza honors the opening of Komatsushima Station on the Japan National Railway Komatsushima Line. This popular sightseeing spot features a reproduction of the station building and a real steam locomotive. The platform stage is often used by locals as a place for rest and relaxation.
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Legend of Kinchō Tanuki
Toward the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), living in the Higaino area, was a tanuki called Kinchō. One day, Kinchō was being bullied by some of the local children and was saved by the merchant Moemon, owner of Somemono-ya. In repayment, Kinchō moved to Moemon’s lands and became a guardian deity of prosperity. Shortly thereafter, Kinchō, in order to rise in the ranks of the tanuki, became the disciple of Shikoku’s Consul General tanuki, Rokuemon. However, Rokuemon was a deceptive tanuki, and wanting to keep an eye on Kinchō’s talent, recommended his daughter Kanokohime for marriage. Yet Kinchō politely declined the offer. Believing that if Kinchō left as he was now he would become a threat before long, Rokuemon sent a large force after Kinchō. Kinchō was barely able to escape with his life thanks to the sacrifice of his retainer Ōtaka. Seeking vengeance, Kinchō called for a gathering of his comrades. The armies converged on opposite sides of the Katsuura River and the resulting battle would become known as the “Awa-Tanuki Gassen” (Awa-Tanuki Battle). The life and death struggle lasted three days and three nights. Toward the end of the fierce fighting, Kinchō was able to kill Rokuemon but was severely injured in the process. Mustering his remaining strength, Kinchō made his way back to Higaino and Moemon, and with his last breath gave the merchant his gratitude. Deeply moved by Kinchō’s way of life, Moemon established the Shōichi Kinchō Daimyōjin Shrine so that Kinchō would be remembered as a deity forever.
