Many travelers love to explore haunted places for the rush and excitement it gives. Japan is also not an exception when it comes to the myths and horror stories related to some specific locations. Just like how every city or country has some sort of stories of infamous haunted locations, Japan is also home to many haunted places with various horror stories attached to them. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular haunted locations in Japan.
- Aokigahara Forest: The Sea of Trees
This forest is located at the base of Mount Fuji and is a very popular destination for hiking due to it being near to Tokyo. This beautiful forest is filled with spectacular scenery, wonderful trees and diverse wildlife. But in the shadows, there is a different story to be uncovered. Now popular as “Suicide Forest”, Aokigahara witnesses hundreds of suicide attempts each year. Due to its reputation of being a very used suicides site, many people believe that this forest carries some supernatural angle to it. Many believe it is home to ghosts and negative energies.
There are many legends associated with it as to why this forest is so strange and frightening.
- Himeji Castle: The Tragic Maidens
Himeji Castle is registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. It one of the most beautiful and finely built castle of Japan. It is also called “white egret castle” because of its stunning white colour. Apart from these characteristics Himeji Castle is also infamous for being haunted. You may have watched the movie “The Ring”, Yes! That movie was inspired by the myth about this castle.
There are many lores and legends associated with this castle. One of which is the legend that says that once there was a beautiful maiden named Okiku who worked in the castle. Her master was trying make her his mistress. So, one day he falsely accused her of breaking one of his ten precious porcelain plates for which there was a death penalty. But she still refused be his mistress that is when he threw her in the well. So, it is believed that Himeji Castle is haunted by the ghost of Okiku. And that well is known as “Okiku Well”.
- Inunaki Tunnel: The Gateway to the Underworld
Inunaki tunnel is in the Miyawaka town, Fukuoka Prefecture It is a very old and broken passageway that is now abandoned. This place is believed to haunted by the ghosts of workers who died during some kind of accidents or mishaps during its construction. Some people also find it terrifying due to the murders that took place here. Another myth that is very common is that it is a gateway to the underworld. Visitors also report witnessing paranormal activities and strange sounds.
- Hashima Island:
This island is located 15 kilometers away from Nagasaki in the Nagasaki prefecture. It looks like a ship, so it is also called “Battleship Island”. This island is completely abandoned and uninhabited. It doesn’t have any greenery and is covered with debris and broken buildings. Once this island was known for its coal mining but in the 1970s it was abandoned by the people overnight leaving a haunting island of crumbling buildings and decaying infrastructure.
It is believed that many of the workers there were forced labor and had very poor living conditions and were killed during undersea coal mining operations. That is why it is now cursed and haunted.
- Matsue Castle: Where Ghostly Samurai Roam
Located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Matsue Castle is a beautiful castle near lake Shinji. Built in the seventeenth century it is one of the oldest castles of Japan.
But many urban legends and myths are associated with this castle. One of which is that this castle is cursed and is haunted by the ghosts of samurais who had perished withing the walls of the battles.
- Hachioji Castle Ruins:
This castle is located on Mount Fukasawayama ,Hachioji city, Tokyo. During the sixteenth century Hachioji Castle owned by the Hojo clan got involved with an intense battle with its enemies. Hojo army was brave but was heavily outnumbered by its enemies. When the defeat was near women of the clan decided to kill themselves in waterfall than get captured by the enemies. Legend has it Hachioji castle is now haunted from these spirits.
Conclusion:
For thrill seekers and people who like to challenge themselves or people who are just fascinated by horror and ghost stories, learning about these legends and myths must have been a thrilling journey. There are many locations in Japan that are associated with paranormal activities. No one knows how true that is, but many people claim to have experienced strange phenomena like unknown voices and strange glitches in electronic devices while travelling to these popular locations.
Thank you for reading!
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