JAPAN ESSENCE / STORIES

Yokai

Discover Japan through stories, places and living craftsmanship.

← Back to home

ALL STORIES / yokai

All stories in this category

Published stories appear automatically; browse the full archive with page navigation.

67 stories

2026.11.08Exploring Miyoshi’s Mononoke Legend and the Japan Yokai Museum

Discover the 30-night yokai haunting of Ino Heitaro in Hiroshima's mist-shrouded Miyoshi Basin and explore the Miyoshi Mononoke Museum exhibits.

Read story ↗

2026.11.08Shidaidaka: The Ever-Rising Roadside Yokai of Shimane

Discover Shidaidaka, the mysterious growing yokai haunting the roads of Shimane Prefecture, and explore the captivating folklore of Japan's Chugoku region.

Read story ↗

2026.11.07The Kudan of Iwakuni: The Wartime Prophetic Yokai of Yamaguchi

Discover the legend of the Kudan, a human-faced, bovine-bodied yokai that appeared in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, in 1943 to prophesy the end of…

Read story ↗

2026.11.07Discover Hyosube: Saga’s Hairy Water-Sprite Yokai

Explore the legend of Hyosube, Saga's hairy water-sprite yokai. Discover its mythology, connection to kappa, and the protective statue at Matsubara Shrine.

Read story ↗

2026.11.05Shidaidaka: The Ever-Rising Roadside Apparition of Shimane

Discover Shidaidaka, the mysterious growing roadside yokai of Gōtsu in Shimane Prefecture. Learn the legends, behaviors, and folklore behind this Japanese spiri

Read story ↗

2026.11.02Hibagon: Exploring Hiroshima’s Legendary Mount Hiba Bigfoot

Discover the legend of Hibagon, Hiroshima’s famous Bigfoot-like cryptid sighted near Mount Hiba in 1970. Explore the history of Japan's mystery.

Read story ↗

2026.11.02Exploring Tono: Japan’s Legendary Home of the Kappa

Discover Tono in Iwate prefecture, Japan's legendary folklore heartland. Explore Kappabuchi pool, learn about water-spirit tales, and experience local culture.

Read story ↗

2026.11.02Konaki-Jijii: The Legend of Tokushima’s Crying Old Man Yokai

Discover the legend of Konaki-Jijii, Tokushima's famous crying old man yokai. Explore Oboke Gorge, Fujikawa Valley, and Shikoku's unique yokai culture.

Read story ↗

2026.11.01Who Are the Koropokkuru? The Legend of Ainu’s Little People

Discover the legend of the Koropokkuru, the mythical little people of Ainu folklore in Hokkaido, and explore where to learn about Ainu…

Read story ↗

2026.11.01Exploring Tōno, Iwate: The Birthplace of Japan’s Most Famous Folklore and Legends

Discover the magical folklore of Tōno, Iwate. Explore Kappabuchi pool, Zashiki-warashi spirits, Oshirasama legends, and traditional magariya farmhouses.

Read story ↗