Travel Japan on Guided Tours: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji & Osaka | Explore Japan with Tanuki Stories

If there is one ghost in Japan whose name still inspires fear, respect, and unease, it is Oiwa. The Oiwa Ghost Story , known formally as Yotsuya Kaidan , is not just a tale of revenge. It is the foundation of Japanese psychological horror — a story where guilt is more terrifying than violence, and where the ghost does not scream, but waits. More than two centuries after it was first told, Oiwa continues to haunt Japanese theater, cinema, and imagination. Oiwa Ghost Story The

In Japan, not all ghost stories come from ancient temples or forgotten legends. Some are born from very real events, in places that still exist, on streets people walk every day.Among the most unsettling of these modern tales are the stories known as Ghost Taxi Passengers in Japan . Unlike traditional yūrei, these spirits do not scream, curse, or seek revenge. They simply want to go home. Ghost Taxi Passenger In Japan Ghost Taxi Passengers in Japan and the Birth of a Modern U

At the crossroads of poetry, court intrigue, and supernatural belief stands the fascinating and complex figure of Sugawara no Michizane (845–903). Known today as the kami of knowledge, Sugawara no Michizane also serves as one of the most compelling examples of how a historical figure can be transformed into a mythical and divine presence. This article explores his life, political downfall, spiritual rebirth, and lasting legacy in Japan’s culture and collective memory. Sugaw

In the tranquil countryside of Yamanashi Prefecture , near the therapeutic springs of Isawa Onsen , a powerful legend has flowed down through the centuries like the river that inspired it. This is the story of Ukai Kansaku , a cormorant fisherman whose death by drowning sparked one of Japan’s most haunting ghost stories—and a ritual of compassion that remains honoured to this day. Here, along the banks of the Isawa River , nestled in what was once called Kai Province , spirit

Deep in the misty mountains of Japan, legends tell of powerful, winged beings with long noses and red skin —the Long-Nosed Tengu . These supernatural creatures have been both feared and revered throughout history, often seen as protectors, tricksters, or even minor deities. The Long-Nosed Tengu is a fascinating figure in Japanese folklore, blending elements of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs with warrior traditions. They are said to possess supernatural strength, martial arts ma

Japanese folklore is filled with eerie, mischievous, and sometimes downright terrifying yokai—supernatural creatures that inhabit the unseen world. Among them, there is one that stands out not for its terrifying appearance but for its seemingly innocent demeanour. This is Tofu Kozo , the small yokai that carries a plate of tofu. While it may not be as famous as kitsune or tengu, Yokai Tofu Kozo has a unique and fascinating story reflecting the rich folklore and Japan's deep

Among Japan’s many urban legends, few are as chilling and deeply rooted in popular culture as the tale of Kuchisake-Onna , the "Slit-Mouthed Woman." This vengeful spirit, known for her ominous question, "Am I beautiful?", continues to both terrify and fascinate those who hear her story. But where does this legend originate, and why has it left such a lasting impact on Japanese society? Kuchisake-Onna Origins of the Legend The story of Kuchisake-Onna has origins in Japanese fo

In the hills of Adachigahara, Japan, legend speaks of Onibaba, a terrifying yōkai whose tragic story is as haunting as her lingering presence. Onibaba, once a human, became a demon hag driven by jealousy, guilt, and a terrible mistake. Travelers are warned to tread carefully, for kindness to a stranger might lead to an encounter with this infamous spirit. Onibaba The Origin of Onibaba Long ago, in a quiet hillside village, Onibaba lived a reclusive life with her pregnant daug

Beneath the shadow of Japan's grand castles lies a tale of betrayal, torment, and revenge that has echoed through centuries—a legend so haunting that it still stirs the imagination of those who hear it. This is the story of Okiku, a loyal servant whose spirit became bound to the well where she met her untimely death. Known as Banchō Sarayashiki (The Dish Mansion at Banchō), this is one of the most iconic ghost stories in Japanese folklore. A Life of Duty and Dedication Okiku