The Legend of Shuten-doji: Japan’s Most Infamous Oni When travelers think of Kyoto, images of serene temples, geisha in Gion, and cherry blossoms usually come to mind. However, just beyond the cultural capital lies a darker history steeped in blood, sake, and sorcery. Deep within the mountains of the Tamba region lives the legend of […]
Mount Fuji Worship: The Spiritual Soul of Japan To the uninitiated traveler, Mount Fuji is Japan’s ultimate postcard image: a near-perfect symmetrical cone snow-capped against a crisp blue sky. However, to the Japanese people, this dormant volcano is far more than a geological marvel or a hiking destination. It is a god, a muse, and
Unveiling Ne no Kuni: Japan’s Mythical Land of Roots Japanese mythology is a tapestry woven with threads of celestial beauty and subterranean mystery. While many travelers are familiar with the sun goddess Amaterasu and the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara), fewer venture into the stories of the underworld. Among these shadowy realms lies Ne no
The Mystical World of the Itako: Japan’s Blind Spirit Mediums In the desolate, volcanic landscapes of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, the air hangs heavy with the scent of sulfur. Here lies Mount Osore (Osorezan), considered one of the three holiest places in Japan and a literal gateway to the underworld. Amidst the gray
Obon Rituals: Guiding the Spirits Home in Japan When the cicadas buzz loudly against the humid heat of the Japanese summer, a distinct spiritual shift occurs across the archipelago. This is the season of Obon (盆), a profound Buddhist custom that honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. While it shares thematic similarities with Mexico’s Day
Meeting Binbogami: Japan’s Fascinating God of Poverty When travelers think of Japanese mythology, images of the sun goddess Amaterasu or the benevolent Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) usually come to mind. These deities promise harvest, wealth, and longevity. However, within the vast pantheon of the Yaoyorozu no Kami (Eight Million Gods), there exists a deity that
The Legend of Yuki-onna: Japan’s Beautiful Snow Ghost In the hush of a deep winter storm, when the wind howls through the mountain passes of Japan, folklore speaks of a presence far colder than the frost itself. She is the Yuki-onna (Snow Woman), one of the most famous and enduring figures in Japanese mythology. A
