If you don’t want to be haunted by chilling ghost stories, you might think twice before visiting these places in Japan. But for thrill-seekers, these eerie destinations are must-visit spots during the Halloween season.
Ikebukuro Station Area
On the east side of Ikebukuro Station stands a four-sided tower built to honor the souls of victims. It is said that one summer night, 17 people were brutally murdered by an unknown assailant, and to this day the true cause remains a mystery.
The tragedy doesn’t end there. A fatal accident at the Parco department store during construction has left lasting scars on the city. Locals still return here once a month to burn incense and pay their respects.
Adding to the ominous atmosphere, the 60-story Sunshine Building was constructed on the grounds of a former prison. Beneath it lies the burial site of notorious criminals and fallen soldiers. Ghostly tales surrounding these buildings continue to send shivers down the spine of anyone who hears them.
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Sendagaya Tunnel
Sendagaya Tunnel is often linked with the downfall of the Tokugawa clan, whose final resting place lies directly above it.
Many ghostly rumors are tied to this tunnel: some claim to have seen the figure of a woman falling, others report mysterious handprints suddenly appearing on car windows. Countless eerie stories are whispered by those who pass through this haunted spot.
Yoshiwara Shrine
Yoshiwara, once one of the most infamous red-light districts in Japan, was home to around 9,000 courtesans during the Edo period. For many women trapped here, escape was nearly impossible. Some attempted to flee by throwing themselves into the canal below, but most met their end in its dark waters.
Even today, visitors wandering through its narrow alleys report hearing soft sobbing, mournful cries, or faint voices calling their names—though no one is ever there.
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Akasaka-Yomachi Town
One of the most chilling stories tells of a businessman walking home late at night. While climbing a slope, he saw a woman sitting and weeping. As he approached to ask if she was alright, horror struck—her face had no eyes, nose, or mouth.
Strange encounters continue to be reported in this small area, with detailed accounts pointing to exact spots where these terrifying events occurred. If you are brave enough, try visiting at midnight… if you dare.
Toyama Park (Shinjuku)
Toyama Park in Shinjuku is known as one of Tokyo’s most mysterious paranormal hotspots. Countless unexplained spiritual phenomena have been reported here.
Many locals claim that at midnight, terrifying screams echo through the air, or white ghostly figures appear drifting around the public restrooms.
These restrooms, in fact, have a dark history as a site of numerous suicides. To make things even stranger, a nearby underground station—South Waseda—was built but never opened, remaining shrouded in darkness. During tunnel construction, countless human remains were discovered buried deep in the soil, adding to the area’s haunted reputation.
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Japan may be known for its cherry blossoms and futuristic cities, but its haunted sites hold a completely different allure. If you’re seeking a Halloween adventure filled with chills and ghostly legends, these haunted locations should be at the top of your travel list.
