Unveiled Secrets and Enigmatic Tales from Ten Fascinating Locations in Kyoto!
Discover the darker, mystical side of Kyoto with these 10 hidden gems!
1. Whispering Stone (Ninna-ji Temple)
Visit Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during their special night-time opening and light-up event from July 11th to July 21st, 2025. Wander through the grand temple grounds after dark, and find the Whispering Stone, a legend that your whispers will echo eerily through the corridors [2].
Hours: 18:30–21:00 (admission until 20:30)
2. Minatoya Yurei Kosodeame Honpo (The Ghost Child Rearing Shop)
Find this 500-year-old shop, known for its candy with a chilling origin story. Visit early to snag some of the classic sweets before they sell out!
Hours: 10am - 4pm
3. Oldest Temples with Bloody Ceilings (Genko-an, Hosenin, Yogenin)
These ancient temples with their blood-stained ceilings offer a glimpse into Kyoto's tumultuous past, with tales of warriors' final stands.
4. Yokai Street
Stroll through this spooky shopping arcade filled with ghostly dolls and mystical trinkets. Legend says that hordes of monsters wandered these streets during the Muromachi period.
5. Rokudo Chinno-ji (The Gateway to the Afterlife)
Visit this serene temple, believed to be the entrance to the afterworld. With a history dating back to the 9th century, it's sure to give you the creeps!
Hours: 9am - 4pm
6. Seimei Shrine
Step into the haunting grounds of Seimei Shrine, dedicated to the famous Onmyoji diviner Abe no Seimei, and feel the ethereal presence of the spiritualist.
Hours: 9am - 4:30pm
7. Fushimi Inari Shrine
This iconic shrine is open 24 hours, offering a mystical atmosphere, especially in the evening or early morning when the crowds subside!
8. Ichijo Modoribashi
Legend has it that the bridge transported a scholar's son back to life, making it a symbol of a gateway to the unknown.
9. Sarugatsuji (Monkey Corner)
In the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, you'll find the mysterious Sarugatsuji, a corner traditionally considered unlucky due to ancient Japanese beliefs. The guardian monkey statue adds to the eerie atmosphere.
10. Daishogun Shrine (forest of Nue)
Explore the chilling forest where Kyoto's legendary monster, the Nue, was said to prowl centuries ago. The 800-year-old ginkgo tree standing tall in the shrine creates an unsettling backdrop, perfect for any ghost story.
Found something that tickles your fancy? Check out our website for more exciting things to do in Kyoto. From customized private tours to geisha encounters and kimono experiences, we've got you covered!
What are Yokai?
For a chilling night-time read, learn about the unique Japanese mythical creatures: Yokai. Discover where to find them on our website!
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What are Yokai? Japanese Folklore Creatures The Five Best Zen & Rock Gardens in Kyoto 20 Popular Destinations in Kyoto: Enjoy Kyoto to the Fullest! The Best Photo Spots In Kyoto!
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- To catch a glimpse of the Whispering Stone at Ninna-ji Temple, visit during the special light-up event from July 11th to July 21st, 2025, and witness your whispers echo eerily through the corridors.
- The Ghost Child Rearing Shop, Minatoya Yurei Kosodeame Honpo, a 500-year-old candy store, offers chilling sweets. Remember to arrive early to secure some treats.
- The blood-stained ceilings of Genko-an, Hosenin, and Yogenin old temples offer a peek into Kyoto's tumultuous past, with stories of warriors' final stands.
- Wander the spooky shopping arcade of Yokai Street, filled with ghostly dolls and mystical trinkets, said to have once been patrolled by monsters during the Muromachi period.
- Discover the serene Rokudo Chinno-ji, an ancient temple believed to be an entrance to the afterworld, dating back to the 9th century.
- Feel the ethereal presence of the spiritualist Abe no Seimei at Seimei Shrine, with hours from 9am - 4:30pm.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic shrine with a 24-hour opening, offers a mystical atmosphere, particularly during the evening or early morning when crowds subside.
- The legendary Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge is believed to be a gateway to the unknown, with its story of a scholar's son being transported back to life.
- Sarugatsuji, or Monkey Corner, located in the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, is considered unlucky due to ancient Japanese beliefs, with a guardian monkey statue adding to the eerie atmosphere.
- Explore the chilling forest of Daishogun Shrine, where the legendary Nue, a Kyoto monster, was said to roam centuries ago, and marvel at the old ginkgo tree that towers above.
Uncover more exciting experiences in Kyoto, such as customized private tours, geisha encounters, and kimono experiences, by visiting our website: https://kyotoguides.com
To learn more about the unique Japanese mythical creatures, Yokai, read our article on our website: https://kyotoguides.com/2021/06/24/what-are-yokai-japanese-folklore-creatures/
Discover other fascinating articles on Kyoto, including the Five Best Zen & Rock Gardens in Kyoto, the 20 Most Popular Destinations in Kyoto, and the Best Photo Spots in Kyoto: https://kyotoguides.com/
Stay informed with the latest travel tips, exciting things to do, and top experiences in Kyoto by subscribing to our Newsletter: https://kyotoguides.com
