Folklore in Japan

Associated with one of Japan's most famous fairy tales, this temple is home to a statue purportedly brought from the undersea palace of the Dragon God.

Haunted by a giant white snake, this pond is said to bring the rain and pubic hair.

A collection of nearly 5,000 yokai-themed toys, sculptures, and more, dating from the 1700s to the present day.

Home to a legend of the supernatural raccoon dog, a rare wooden structure of Edo, and witnesses of the Tokyo bombings.

This sculpture bears a tragic backstory that may have inspired a hauntingly beautiful children's song.

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.

Hidden by the roadside in the Iya Valley, this gem brings together folk monsters and the region's unique geography.

Believed to hold the remains of Japan's most infamous fox spirit, this stone is said to kill those who dare approach.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the mischievous kappa, a mythical cucumber-loving water sprite.

A park built around the legend of a clam-loving giant who created a monumental midden.

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.