Folklore in Japan

Discover 28 places tagged “folklore” in Japan.

Nekodan (Cat Stairway)

According to local legend, anyone who falls on these temple steps will turn into a cat.

Hiraizumi, Japan

Grave of Benkei

According to folklore, this grave lies near the site of the “standing death” of one of Japan’s fiercest warriors.

Tōno City, Japan

Denderano

According to local legend, elderly villagers were once brought to this hill and left to die.

Kirishima, Japan

Sanada no Osada

According to Japanese mythology, the first rice paddy in history was created here many aeons ago.

Umeda Kitamuki Jizo

A rare north-facing Ksitigarbha statue enshrined in a passageway off Osaka’s busiest area.

Hirosaki, Japan

Demon Oak Tree of Onizawa

A mountain demon once helped a local villager construct a canal, after which he sat on this oak tree to rest.

Tomb of the Nue

The tomb of an infamous chimeric monster whose corpse once washed ashore in Osaka.

Amazake-babaa

This statue of a deified “hag” is said to protect children from the common cold and coughing fits.

Demon’s Hand Prints in the Rocks

According to local folklore, a demon left his handprints on these boulders, which became the prefecture’s namesake.

Hirosaki, Japan

Iwakiyama Shrine

An atmospheric shrine of mountain worship that is home to a number of curious folk tales.

Nihommatsu, Japan

Kurozuka (Black Tomb)

Local legend claims that this is the final resting place of an infamous cannibal hag.

Kasane-ga-fuchi

The eerie, tragic setting of one of Japan’s most popular ghost stories.

Yokai Art Museum

This unique museum explores the world of Japanese demons and spirits.

Fujisawa, Japan

Ryuren no Kane

A romantic escape inspired by the legend of a child-eating five-headed dragon.

Tengu Stelae of Naruse

Three rare “road guardian” stelae with reliefs of the Tengu can be found in the town of Naruse.

Tomori Stone Lion

The oldest stone lion in Okinawa survived a major battle during World War II.