Japan is famous for its countless ghost stories and equally countless shinrei spots (haunted locations). Some people here have the hobby of visiting these places as a test of courage or to scope it out and see if they are able to actually encounter a spirit. These haunted spots are made widely known by features on various blogs and television programs that spark curiosity. This article is here to serve the same purpose and boost four supposedly haunted locations, – and although the fact that they may be haunted is enticing enough to visit, these locations are also beautiful enough on its own to attract visitors.
Hachioji Castle Ruins – 八王子城跡
The Hachioji Castle Ruins is in a place called Hachioji, which is within Tokyo’s borders but not near the city center. It is the remains of a castle from the Sengoku period. Anyone who has heard of the Sengoku period knows it wasn’t a peaceful time. Hojo Ujiteru, the military leader of the Hojo clan, built this castle to strengthen the clan’s position in the area and help defend the main castle of Odawara. It was heavily fortified and sprawled amongst the hills but fell in just one day to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s forces. There were many women and children in the castle when it fell. A good number of them chose to die by throwing themselves into a waterfall near the ruins. The water is said to have run red for three days and nights. Nowadays, people have claimed to see the spirits of women sitting by the waterfall reliving their last moments.
Overall, the castle ruins are a sight to see and the area is a beautiful nature spot. The waterfall does have a dark legend to it but it still has its aesthetic quality. While hunting for spirits is a common activity here, this location also has significant historical quality that makes it a must-go place if you are in Tokyo.
Ojaga Pond – 雄蛇ヶ池
Ojaga-ike is a very famous shinrei spot. It is most likely known nationwide due to being introduced by the media several times. It was originally built as a reservoir during the Edo period in order to save the people from a drought and to boost the agriculture of the area. The pond is well-known for its sakura trees, a black bass fishing spot, hiking course, and a place to ride boats and admire the lily pads. This leisure spot has several legends surrounding it, mainly concerning a giant serpent.
One of the main legends is that of a young woman who fell in love with someone of a higher social status and threw herself into the lake in grief as it was a relationship that was forbidden and unattainable. After she died, they say that she turned into a giant white snake. You can supposedly hear her cries and slithering at night.
Another legend concerns a young wife who was very popular in the village. However, her mother-in-law was jealous of her and bullied the young womaen to the point of suicide. The young wife jumped into the lake as she could no longer take the abuse. The legend says she was very good at weaving so at night you hear her crying and the sound of her weaving.
Lastly, if you circle around the pond seven and a half times, they say that the serpent god they believe resides in the pond will appear. The story goes that a young girl would subconsciously visit the pond every night. Her elderly parents would and bring her back each time but one night she left her sandals behind – insinuating that she went to commit suicide – so her parents worridly ran after her. They ended up running around the pond seven times and that’s when a giant serpent appeared before them. There actually are snakes that live around the pond so if you go, please be careful!
Osore Mountain – 恐山
Osore-zan is located in Aomori prefecture. The name literally means fear mountain and it is one of Japan’s most sacred places. The area is rich in volcanic activity with the scent of sulfur permeating the air. Lake Usui is various shades of blue, due to the high sulfur content and it is advised to not go near the water. This mountain is perceived as the entrance to the afterlife as it has geographical elements that match descriptions of Buddhist hell and paradise. There are eight surrounding peaks and a river that represents the Sanzu no kawa – a river that is crossed by dead souls upon entering the afterlife.
Bodaiji Temple has its place near the mountain and contains modern lodging where visitors can spend the night, eat, and participate in prayers. There are also hot springs. Due to the fact that this is a place where spirits gather, there have been many sightings, especially in the hot springs. There have also been reported cases of chills, headaches, and dizziness – though this may simply be the result of altitude sickness. But, if you do decide to visit the mountain that features lovely green foliage and stunning autumn leaves, please remember that this is a sacred religious place. Please be respectful and research the things that you should not do such as take the sand and rocks home and knock down the piled-up rocks.
Awashima Shrine – 淡島神社
Awashima Shrine is located in the Wakayama Prefecture. Most foreigners have most likely never heard of this prefecture before, which is an absolute shame. It is one of the more rural parts of Japan and features a lot of untouched nature. It is definitely a place to think about visiting in autumn or if you want to experience the Japanese countryside. Wakayama has water sports, zen gardens, mountain temples, fruits, water sports, waterfalls, onsens, and more! It also features many traditional buildings and structures.
This prefecture also highlights Awashima Shrine, which might not exactly be haunted. It is merely creepy and off-putting due to the great number of dolls and puppets that reside in the shrine. Some may not find it creepy whatsoever (but those people are the type to make odd creations by combining different dolls together like Sid from the movie Toy Story). Other than being well known for the dolls lined up in the front hall of the shrine, Awashima Shrine is also known for the “Hina Nagashi” ritual that is held every year on March 3rd. Many women also go here to pray for childbirth and fertility.
There are many other haunted locations and pretty places to discover in Japan! You don’t necessarily have to visit in an attempt to carry out a test of courage. These places can be appreciated for their aesthetic quality and historical background. But when going to sacred grounds, please be sure to sufficiently research what not to do and be respectful to the local people and deities.