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Myths

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40 stories
Exploring Mount Nasu’s Sesshō-seki: Legend, Geology, and History

Discover the legend of the Sesshō-seki (Killing Stone) in Nasu, Tochigi. Explore the myth of the nine-tailed fox, volcanic vents, and local…

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Ubagabi: The Legend of Japan’s Oil-Stealing Ghost-Fire

Discover the legend of Ubagabi, Japan's infamous oil-stealing ghost-fire from Osaka. Explore the history, folklore, and connection to Hiraoka Shrine.

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The Awa Tanuki War: Exploring Japan’s Epic Shape-Shifter Battle in Tokushima

Discover the Awa Tanuki War in Komatsushima, Tokushima. Explore Japanese tanuki legends, visit Kincho Shrine, and see the world's largest tanuki statue.

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Exploring Yakushiji Temple in Nara: History and Legend

Plan your visit to Yakushiji Temple in Nara. Discover the fascinating history of this ancient UNESCO site founded in 680 by Emperor…

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Exploring Sefa Utaki: Okinawa’s Most Sacred UNESCO Heritage Site

Discover Sefa Utaki in Nanjo, Okinawa's ultimate sacred site. Explore the Amamikiyo creation myth, UNESCO Ryukyu heritage, and the iconic Sangui rocks.

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Oshirasama: Exploring Iwate’s Horse-and-Girl Household Deity

Discover the legend of Oshirasama, Iwate's horse-and-girl household deity, and explore its roots in Tono Monogatari at Densho-en.

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Umatsuri Ishikawa: Cormorant Festival at Keta Taisha

Discover Ishikawa's ancient Umatsuri at Keta Taisha. Learn about the rare winter cormorant-divining ceremony, its mythology, and sacred traditions.

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Exploring the Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Munakata Taisha

Discover Okinoshima, Japan's sacred UNESCO World Heritage island, and explore the ancient legends and shrines of the Three Munakata Goddesses in Fukuoka.

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Daidarabotchi: Discover Tokyo’s Mythical Giant Footprint Ponds

Explore Tokyo's ancient folklore by visiting the actual ponds and sites formed by Daidarabotchi, the legendary Japanese giant, in Musashino and beyond.

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Daidarabocchi: Discover Tokyo’s Legendary Giant and the Ponds He Shaped

Explore the legend of Daidarabocchi, Tokyo's mythical giant. Discover how folklore and Yanagita Kunio connected Setagaya's ponds to ancient footprints.

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Unzen Onsen Jinja: Exploring Kyushu’s Four-Faced Guardian Deities

Discover Unzen Onsen Jinja Shrine in Nagasaki, the head shrine of Kyushu's Oshimen guardian deities founded by the monk Gyoki in 701.

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Exploring Amano Iwato Shrine & the Myth of the Sun Goddess in Takachiho

Discover Takachiho's Amano Iwato Shrine, the sacred cave of Sun Goddess Amaterasu, Ama no Yasukawara cavern, and the winter Yokagura night dances.

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