Khaizuran RashidKonnichiwa, thrill-seekers and ghostly gourmets! Think Tokyo is all neon lights, sushi delights, and impeccably clean streets? Think again. Beneath its bustling facade lie some seriously spooky spots that’ll send shivers down your spine. Maybe they’ll even make you question your ghostly GPS! Buckle up as we dive into Tokyo’s top five most haunted places – You might just find your next eerie adventure!
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1. Old Iwabuchi Watergate
Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled along the Arakawa River, the Old Iwabuchi Watergate – or the flamboyant Red Watergate – isn’t just a picturesque spot for joggers and fishing fanatics. This iconic sluice gate, built in 1924, has a history as deep as the river it guards. Originally constructed to prevent the notorious floods that once wreaked havoc on Tokyo, the watergate now stands as a sentinel of both beauty and the supernatural.
Legend has it that the waters around Iwabuchi attract restless spirits. This is especially true after dark, when the area is cloaked in shadows with few streetlights to ward them off. The eerie jizo statue nearby, with its emotionless wooden face replacing the vandalised stone head, adds an extra layer of spookiness. And for all you anime weebs (myself included, shamefully), a cameo appearance in Dark Gathering seals its haunted reputation. Whether you’re into ghost hunting or just a lover of all things eerie, the Old Iwabuchi Watergate is definitely a spook-tacular gem worth visiting.
2. Yawata no Yabushirazu
Image credit: くろふね via Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in a seemingly ordinary residential area lies Yawata no Yabushirazu, Tokyo’s very own “forbidden forest.” Don’t let its modern surroundings fool you – this dense thicket of mōsō bamboo has been shrouded in mystery since the Edo period. The forest’s name has become synonymous with getting hopelessly lost, and not just in the typical sense. Legend has it that those who dare enter are whisked away by mischievous fox spirits (kitsune) or perhaps haunted by the restless spirits of ancient samurai lords.
Whether it’s a bottomless pit, poisonous gases, or supernatural entities lurking within, the exact reason remains a mystery. Today, a small shrine stands as a silent witness to its haunted past. However, its humble appearance should not fool you. Venture into Yawata no Yabushirazu at your own risk – You might never find your way out… or you might just add a spine-tingling story to your travel tales!
3. Taira no Masakado’s Grave
Image credit: Asanagi via Wikimedia Commons
Meet Taira no Masakado, a 10th-century samurai emperor whose legacy is anything but peaceful. His grave in the Ōtemachi district of Tokyo is surrounded by stone figures of frogs and toads – A nod to the legend that Masakado could manipulate these creatures at will. But here’s the kicker: The site does not contain his buried head! Instead, countless shrines honour his restless spirit, built on sites where his decapitated head is said to have landed after a fierce battle.
Visitors to Masakado’s grave report an eerie presence, especially during seismic events. The spot is believed to be cursed, with historical accounts of construction projects being mysteriously halted and workers falling ill. Whether you believe in curses or not, the tales surrounding this shrine are enough to give you goosebumps. Pop by, and maybe you’ll feel the lingering presence of this formidable samurai.
4. Haneda Ōtorii
Image credit: OiMax | Flickr
Picture this: A vibrant torii gate, once the entrance to the Anamori Inari Shrine, now stands forlornly on the edge of Haneda Airport. Established in 1804, workers moved this shrine during the post-World War II Allied occupation, but its iconic red torii refused to budge. Those who tried to dismantle it faced bizarre accidents – snapped ropes, sudden illnesses, and unexplained mishaps – that locals attribute to a lingering curse.
Despite multiple attempts to relocate it, the torii gate seemed determined to stay put. This changed in 1999, when workers finally moved it on a stormy day that only added to its haunted reputation. Today, it watches over the bustling airport, a silent guardian with a spooky backstory. Next time you’re in the area, take a moment to appreciate this defiant relic. Just don’t linger too long, or you might feel a spectral presence watching you.
5. Obake Kaidan
Image credit: Edoinlet1 via Wikimedia Commons
In Tokyo’s Nezu district, there exists a stone staircase that’s more than meets the eye – Obake Kaidan, or “Ghost Stairs,” is infamous for its peculiar quirk: It has 40 steps on the way up but mysteriously only 39 on the way down. This oddity has spawned countless urban legends, from the steps being made of gravestones to curses that claim miscounting them leads to untimely demise.
Originally narrow and dark, the staircase was widened and fitted with a handrail, yet its eerie aura persists. The left side trails off halfway, and the steps remain uneven, enhancing the ghostly vibe. The truth? The first step at the bottom is almost level with the ground, making it easy to miss when descending. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, climbing Obake Kaidan is bound to give you the chills. Just remember to count carefully – Missing a step might just cost you a story worth telling!
Dare to Explore Tokyo’s Ghostly Gems?
From haunted watergates to forbidden forests, Tokyo’s paranormal hotspots are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply looking for a thrilling story to share over sushi, these five haunted places promise spooky adventures. So grab your camera, a sturdy flashlight, and maybe a lucky charm or two. Tokyo’s spirits are waiting to meet you!
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