Yokai Village: Japan’s Mythical Secret
During our nearly year-long adventure in Japan, we stumbled upon a little-known gem tucked away in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture: Fukusaki village. As we were exploring Himeji, we came across some intriguing photos of a “Yokai Village” nearby, and we couldn’t resist the pull of these mysterious creatures. So, we packed our cameras, hopped on a train, and set out for this hidden corner of Japan.
How to get to Fukusaki and how to get around?
Getting to Fukusaki
Fukusaki is in Hyōgo Prefecture, making it an easy day trip from bigger cities like Himeji, Kobe, or even Osaka.
From Himeji: Take the JR Bantan Line from Himeji Station to Fukusaki Station (about 25 minutes).
From Kobe: Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Himeji (40 minutes), then switch to the Bantan Line to Fukusaki (25 minutes).
From Osaka: Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Himeji (about 1 hour), then hop on the Bantan Line to Fukusaki (25 minutes).
All these routes are covered by the JR Pass (get yours here), so if you’re traveling with one, you’re set.
Getting Around Fukusaki
The village is small but the Yokai statues are spread out over quite a distance, hunting all 23 on foot would take hours and leave you exhausted. To really enjoy the day:
Rent a Bike: The most fun option if the weather is good. You can rent bikes near the station, and it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Rent a Car: If you’re short on time or visiting with friends/family, a car makes it super easy to reach all the Yokai spots, especially the ones on the edges of the village.
Walking: Possible, but not recommended unless you only plan to see a handful of Yokai statues.
Stay Connected: Pocket Wi-Fi is Your Best Friend
Since we were staying for a long time in Japan, reliable internet was non-negotiable. We rented our Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless, which offers flexible plans for short and long stays. They even deliver it to your hotel or the airport—so convenient that even Sara didn’t need a Plan B (and that’s saying something).
Returning it is as simple as dropping the prepaid envelope into a mailbox at the airport (before security!) on your last day. Easy peasy, even for Vasco, who usually leaves logistical matters to Sara.
What are Yokai you ask?
For those wondering, “What on earth are Yokai, and why did they make us detour to a tiny village?”, let us break it down for you! Yokai are mythical creatures or supernatural beings from Japanese folklore, and they range from mischievous spirits to full-on monsters. Some might look creepy, some are playful, and others are downright bizarre.
Yokai have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, and they often pop up in traditional stories, art, and even modern media. You’ve probably seen them in anime, like Demon Slayer, or in Jujutsu Kaisen, the curses and spirits we see are rooted in Yokai lore too. These supernatural beings come in all shapes and sizes, from the mischievous Kappa to the fierce Tengu. Or maybe you’ve just heard about them through legends, but seeing them in person? Now that’s a whole different story.
When we arrived in Fukusaki, it felt like stepping into a living folktale. Suddenly, these creatures we’d only ever seen on screens or in books were everywhere, peeking out from corners, perched along the streets, or just waiting by the riverside. It was a bit eerie but also kind of magical, like the village itself had blurred the line between the everyday world and the world of myths.
A Bit of History : Who Was Kunio Yanagita?
So why Fukusaki, of all places? Well, this little town happens to be the birthplace of Kunio Yanagita, often called the “father of Japanese folklore.” Back in the early 1900s, Yanagita started collecting stories from ordinary people, like farmers, villagers and travelers, because he believed those everyday tales mattered just as much as the big myths.
Instead of chasing after old manuscripts, he went straight to the people, asking what they had seen, what they believed, what they whispered about at night. Thanks to him, a lot of these Yokai stories weren’t lost to time.
Knowing the history, made the statues and stories feel more personal,like we weren’t just looking at quirky folklore, but at something rooted in one man’s lifelong curiosity.
What Can You Do and See in Fukusaki Village?
The village is an entire outdoor museum where Yokai statues, shrines, and stories are scattered throughout the charming streets. You can wander down narrow lanes lined with quirky statues that are so detailed you almost expect them to come to life. You’ll feel like Chihiro wandering through the bathhouse or Tanjiro slaying demons in the mountains.
Making the most out of your Visit
Think of Fukusaki as a Yokai treasure hunt. Your mission: track down all 23 Yokai statues, collect stamps along the way, and discover the quirky folklore behind them. To really make the most of it, here’s how to structure your day:
1. Start at the Train Station & Info Center
The Yokai hunt begins the moment you step off the train and you’ll spot statues straight away (specially the Kappa that appears every 15 minutes or so to welcome you!). But first, pop into the Tourist Information Center:
Pick up your map of Yokai and stamp locations (essential for finding them all).
Check out the souvenirs here, there are books about folklore, collectible gachapons (highly recommend, they’re super fun), and other Yokai-themed goodies. Browse here in advance.
Get your first stamp for the layered stamp rally. By the end, you’ll have a detailed image as a keepsake. (don’t be like Sara and stamp them upside down, be careful! )
2. Rent a Car or Bike
We can’t stress this enough: rent a car or a bike. The Yokai statues are scattered across the whole village, and while you could walk it, you’d run out of steam long before finishing. With wheels, you can explore at your own pace and cover everything in a day. We had to learn the hard way!
3. The Yokai Hunt Begins
Armed with your map, head out to track down all 23 statues. They range from funny to eerie, and each has its own backstory. Don’t rush,half the fun is spotting them unexpectedly.
Use the interactive digital map if you want extra help finding your way.
4. Meet the Kappa Brothers: Gajiro and Gataro
By the end of your hunt, you’ll definitely know the village’s two most famous Yokai: the mischievous Kappa brothers, Gajiro and Gataro.
Gajiro is the scarier of the two, known for lurking near rivers and pulling unsuspecting people in.
Gataro, his brother, is a little less menacing but still full of tricks.
The brothers have become mascots of Fukusaki, so you’ll see them everywhere, from statues to souvenirs. Locals even share funny tales about how the brothers once competed to scare villagers, each trying to outdo the other. It makes the hunt feel like you’re following their footsteps around town.
5. Collect Stamps in Surprising Spots
Not all the stamps are out in the open, some are tucked away inside cafes, restaurants, or shops. Don’t be shy about stepping inside and asking; staff are usually happy to help, and sometimes they’ll share a Yokai story or two while you’re there.
6. Snack Breaks – Yokai-Style
Food is part of the fun here. Keep an eye out for Yokai-inspired snacks in local cafes and restaurants, like Kappa-shaped sweets or dishes themed after other creatures. Even the local conbini (convenience stores) join in, stocking limited Yokai packaging or treats. It’s a small touch, but it makes snack breaks feel like part of the adventure.
7. Visit the Second Tourist Information Center
Don’t stop at just one! The second tourist information center has a display of miniature Yokai sculptures, basically a collection of all the creatures you’ll see around the village, shrunk down in one place. It’s also packed with extra merch, so if you didn’t grab enough collectibles earlier, this is your last chance.
8. Interactive Displays & Art Exhibits
Scattered around are fun displays where the Yokai “come to life” with little movements or hidden surprises. At the end of your loop, check out the art exhibits, which range from traditional brushwork to modern sculptures. It’s a nice way to wrap up after a day of hunting.
Why should you Visit?
Besides the unique experience of diving into the world of Yokai, Fukusaki village offers a peaceful atmosphere that makes it the perfect day trip from Himeji or even Osaka and Kobe, which are not too far away. The village is quiet, and it's a hidden treasure that most tourists miss, so you can enjoy it without the crowds.
If you’re an adventure seeker, a fan of Japanese folklore, or someone who loves the thrill of finding a hidden spot, Fukusaki is a place where you can escape the larger cities and immerse yourself in an unforgettable mythological world.
So, whether you’re an folklore fan looking to see your favorite Yokai in person, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems in Japan, Fukusaki village’s Yokai Village is a must-see.
Take a day, get lost among the monsters, and let yourself be transported into the heart of Japanese folklore.
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
