Wiki Category: Places

See also: List of Folktales The Elixir of Life The Elixir of Life is a Japanese folktale but also finds itself mentioned throughout Japanese history. Emperor Kōrei Text from the Jinnō Shōtōki states that during the reign of Emperor Kōrei the Chinese Emperor Ch’in sought out the The Elixir of[...]

See also: List of Folktales Princess Glory Princess Glory is a japanese folktale which can be found in the Shintōshū, this document coming form the 14th Century giving tales of various kami. The story is set during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku, the 21st Emperor from the Kofun Period and[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°21′29″N, 138°43′52″E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture. Height: 3,776m Mount Fuji Mount Fuji (富士山) is the tallest mountain in Japan, reaching a height of 3,776 meters. The mountain itself has 3 subsidiary volcanoes by the names of Komitake, Ko-Fuji and Shin-Fuji. Shin-Fuji being the most active[...]

Tokoyo Tokoyo (常世の国 – Everworld) is a mythological land mentioned in the kojiki. The area is said to have cockerals which were gathered by Omoikane as one of the various ways to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Heavenly Rock Cave after she hides inside of it. This mythical[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Advisor of Heaven. Family: – Omoikane Omoikane, (思兼 / 思金) also known as Tokoyo-no-omoi-kane is a kami from Shinto mythology mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 Once Amaterasu flees into the Sacred Rock Cave and the sun disapears from Heaven and Earth, this kami is[...]

Ama no Iwato Ama no Iwato (天岩戸, Sacred Rock Cave) is a sacred and important cave in Shinto mythology. This rock cave surrounds the story of Amaterasu and Susano-o after he scares her causing her to flee into the rock cave.123 Due to Amaterasu hiding here, the sun disappeared from[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amenohohi (father) Takehiratori Takehiratori (建比良鳥 – Brave Hinterland Bird1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The kami also goes by the names of Amenohinatori and Takehinateri.2 He is said to be the son of Amenohohi  and became the ancestor for[...]

See also: Provinces Hyūga Province Hyūga Province (日向国) also known as Himuka Province1 is an old Province of Japan, located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture.2 Legendary Period The mythical river known as the Tachibana River where Izanagi cleansed himself after visiting Yomi is said to have been located here.1 One[...]

See also: List of Provinces Hōki Province Hōki Province (伯耆国), also known as Hahaki Province1 was an old province of Japan. It is now located in modern day Tōttori Prefecture.2 The border between this Province and Izumo Province is said to be the location of the burial of the Goddess[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kai Province Kai Province (甲斐国) was once a Province of Japan, located in what is now Yamanashi Prefecture.12 Established historically during the Taika Reforms,1 it is said this area was also visited previously by Yamato Takeru when he visited from the east.2 Geographically the entire Province[...]

Provinces The Japanese provinces (国 kuni or koku) were geographical areas which were establsihed by the Kokugun System and the Taika Reforms came into being in 645AD. Initially they comprised of 58 kuni with 3 islands provinces, however by 822AD this had changed to 66 kuni and 2 islands provinces.[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamato Province Yamato Province (大和国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nara Prefecture.12 Inception During its inception, when the Kokugen System came into effect, it stayed as the centre of government and culture from the 4th century until 784. It[...]

See also: List of Provinces Koshi Province Koshi Province (越国) was an old Province of Japan. It is said the inhabitants of this area were of foreign origins, from Manchuria and Korea. These people were known as Koshi-bito.1 Mythical Associations The area known as the Tsutsu Cape located here is[...]

See also: List of Provinces Omi Province Omi Province (近江国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Shiga Prefecture.12 Location Located on the route between the four (later five) capital provinces and eastern provinces its borders came to have three important barrier stations (Seki-sho) called Arachi,[...]

See also: List of Provinces Izumo Province Izumo Province (出雲国), also known as Unshū (雲州), was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Shimane Prefecture.1 It formed one of the eight Provinces of the San’indō.12 The Province was formed of several districts, two known as Ou and[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kaga Province Kaga Province (加賀国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Ishikawa Prefecture. The area for a long period of time came under the control of the Maeda Family.1 Sakanoue no Korenori is known to have acted as Governor of[...]

See also: List of Provinces Hizen Province Hizen Province (肥前国), also known as Bizen, was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.1 Legenedary Period Legends state that the sword Orochi no Aramasa eventually came to dwell in Isonomaki in Bizen Province.2 Kamakura/Muromachi Period[...]

See also: List of Provinces Shimotsuke Province Shimotsuke Province (下野国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Tochigi Prefecture.1 Fujiwara Hidesato is known to have acted as Governor of this Province.12 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.[...]

See also: List of Provinces Hida Province Hida Province (飛騨国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Gifu Prefecture.1 The Yōkai known as the Satori is said to dwell in this Province.2 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kii Province Kii Province (紀伊国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Wakayama and Mie Prefecture.1 Legendary Period In the nihongi the kami Izanami is said to have been buried in this Province in the village of Arima.2 Yamanobe no Ohotaka[...]

Ushinotoki-mairi Ushinotoki-mairi (丑時参 – Hour of the Ox) is a type of phenomenon depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The hour of the ox is not really a Yōkai but relates to a period of time when cursing is at its most powerful. This ‘Hour of[...]

Shiki and Kyaku Shiki and Kyaku (Admnistrative/Ceremonial Procedures and Penal Codes) are two different types of legal documents made to implement the laws of the late 7th and early 8th centuries. The first Shiki and Kyaku were completed in the Kōnin Era, the second in the Jōgan Era. The Engi[...]

Osakabe Osakabe (長壁) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature is known to live within Himeji Castle. According to tradition when Himeji Castle was extended, a local shrine was moved. In time, the local lord of[...]

Chinjufu-shōgun The Chinjufu-shōgun (鎮守府将軍) was a military position or district for the ‘pacification of defence of Japan.’ This position was overseen by a sei-i-tai-shōgun. Created during the Nara Period it was centred in Northern Honshu to fight Ezo tribes there, located originally at Tagajō. Later, in 801 it was moved[...]

See also: Sarumaru Taifu Poems Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: – Birth: ? (Active during mid 8th Century?) Sarumaru Taifu Sarumaru Taifu, also called Sarumaru Dayu (猿丸大夫) lived during the mid 8th century, or so we believe.  This poet may in fact have never existed in the first place[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamashiro Province Yamashiro Province (山城国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Kyoto Prefecture.1 The Shinsen Shōjiroku shows the Haji Clan dwelt in this province amongst others.3 Inception One of the 5 central (kinai) provinces, established under the Kokugun System in 646AD,[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°58′49″N 135°38′26″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture Height: 833m. Mount Ōe Mount Ōe (大枝山) can be found in Kyoto Prefecture, measuring a height of 833 metres12 and is the highest peak in the Tango Mountains.1 The mountain was said to have been the home of the Yōkai known as[...]

Birth: – Death: – Period: Occupation: Warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu Minamoto no Yorimitsu (源 頼光) has ties to the creature known as the Shuten-dōji. In this tale he learns that this Yokai has captured several maidens, and so he takes a band of men with him in an attempt to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Kumanokusubi Kumanokusubi (Wonder Worker of Bear Moors) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the fifth and final born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amenohohi Amenohohi (Majestic Rice Ears of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the second born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amenooshihomimi Amenooshihomimi (Ruling Rice Ears of Heaven) also known as Masa-katsu-a-katsu-kachi-haya-hi-ame-no-oshi-ho-mimi (Truly Winning Have I Won with Rushing Might Ruling Grand Rice Ears of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was[...]

Hashi-Hime Hashi-Hime (橋姫) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Notes by Sekien state this creature has a shrine next to the Uji Bridge in Yamashiro Province. Tales of her can be found in the Tale of the[...]

Shuten-dōji Shuten-dōji (酒呑童子) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to live on Mount Ōe where he keeps his treasure pile. Upon this mountain he also steal from travellers passing over it. He is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Ichikishimahime (sister) Takitsuhime Takitsuhime (Lady Seething Torrent) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the third of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being chewed up and spat out by Amaterasu according to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Takitsuhime (sister) Ichikishimahime Ichikishimahime (Lady Consecrated Isle) also known as Sayoribime (Lady Summons Spirit) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the second of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Ichikishimahime (sister) Takitsuhime (sister) Takiribime Takiribime (Lady Mist), also known as Okitsushimahime (Lady Offshore Isle) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the first of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being chewed[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Weaving? Family: – Amenohatorihime Amenohatorihime (Weaver Woman of Heaven) is a kami from Shinto Mythology. In the Kojiki it is said she was weaving in the weaving hall of Heaven with Amaterasu when Susano-o threw a pie-bald colt which had been flayed backwards from its tail[...]

Heaven This page about Heaven serves to bring together information we have gathered relating to the various ‘Heaven’s’ from different religions in Japan. As we gather more information this page may be broken down into seperate pages. Takamagahara – Shinto Takamagahara (高天原) is the Shinto version of Heaven. Its origins[...]

See also: List of Provinces Tosa Province Tosa Province  (土佐国) was an old Province of Japan, situated now in modern day Kōchi Prefecture on the Island of Shikoku.1 The kojiki states that the kami Takeyoriwake dwelt here.2 During the Heian Period, in 930AD, Ki no Tsurayuki was appointed Governor of[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Courtier, Bureaucrat, Ason Family: – Birth: 1st half 8th century Death: – Yamabe no Akahito Yamabe no Akahito (山部 赤人 / 山邊 赤人) lived during the first half of the 8th century. During his life he acted as a courtier as well as bureaucrat[...]

Nopperabō The Nopperabō (のっぺらぼう) , also known as Zunberabo and Nupperiho are a type of Yōkai known to have a face completely devoid of features. However, there are other tales which states they merely lack eyes and a nose. There name is a pun on the Japanese word ‘nopperi,’ which[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Sakanoue no Mochiki (son) Birth: Death: 930AD Sakanoue no Korenori Sakanoue no Korenori (坂上是則) was a known waka poet who had a good career, and ended up with the position of Governor for the Province of Kaga. His poetic legacy includes forty[...]

See also: List of Provinces Mino Province Mino Province (美濃国) also known as Nōshū (濃州) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Gifu Prefecture. It is included as one of the eight Provinces which made up the Tōsandō Region. It is well known for its Mino[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°34′N 135°46′E Island: Honshu Region: Kansai Capital: Nara See also: Yamato Province See also: List of Prefectures. Nara Prefecture Nara Prefecture (奈良県 – Nara-ken) is located on the island of Honshu. As a land-locked Prefecture it is bordered on all sides. Kyoto Prefecture to the North, Mie to the West, Wakayama on[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Fujiwara no Tadahira (great-grandfather) Birth: – Death: 998AD Fujiwara no Sanekata Fujiwara no Sanekata (藤原 実方) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. He was the great-grandson of the poet Fujiwara no Tadahira. He[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Ninja / Sniper Family: Koga Clan Birth: – Death: 1573 Sugitani Zenjubo Sugitani Zenjubo (杉谷善住坊) was born to one of the 53 families of the Koga Clan, acting as Ninja and Sniper for them until his death in 1573. He was best known for his use[...]

For all battles on the site see: List of Battles. Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Date: 1578 Location: Kyushu Outcome: Defeat of Ōtomo Sōrin’s forces Battle of Mimikawa The Battle of Mimikawa occurred in 1578 on the island of Kyushu. The battle involving the forces of daimyō  Ōtomo Sōrin and his vassal Tsunokumo[...]

See also: List of Provinces Bungo Province Bungo Province (豊後国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Ōita Prefecture.1 Azuchi-Momoyama Period During this period it was ruled over by the daimyō Ōtomo Sōrin, who led his warriors into a battle later known as the Battle of[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Daimyō (Feudal Lord) Family: ? Birth: ? Death: 1587 Ōtomo Sōrin Ōtomo Sōrin (大友 宗麟) was a daimyō (Feudal Lord) in the Province of Bungo in Kyushu. He had as his vassal the Samurai Tsunokuma Sekiso who was famed for his supernatural abilities to control weather. His[...]

Tosa Nikki The Tosa Nikki (土佐日記 – Tosa Diary), written in 935AD by Ki no Tsurayuki, is an account (punctuated by poems throughout) of his journey home to Kyoto. The composition of the diary is as if it was written by a women, ie. it is written in kana script.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Governor Family: Ki no Tokibumi (son) Ki no Tomonori (cousin) Birth: – Death: 946AD Ki no Tsurayuki Ki no Tsurayuki (紀 貫之) was a high ranking court nobleman of the Heian Period. Best known for his poetry and prose. He was the cousin of Ki[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor Family: – Birth: – Death: 733AD? Yamanoue no Okura Yamanoue no Okura (山上 憶良) was a waka poet and lived during the Nara period. He is said to have died at the age of 74 in 733AD1, and inspired Ōtomo no Tabito to persue his[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Caligrapher Family: Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (father) Fujiwara no Yukitsune (son) Birth: 972AD Death: 1027AD Fujiwara no Yukinari Fujiwara no Yukinari (藤原 行成) (972-10271 10282AD) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. The son of Fujiwara no Yoshitaka, during his[...]

Co-ordinates: : 32°58′N 129°48′E Island: Kyushu Region: Kyushu Region Capital: Nagasaki See also: Iki Province, Tsushima Province, Hizen Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 – Nagasaki-ken) is located on the island of Kyushu. It is bordered by the Genkai Sea and Tsushima Strait on its northern edge, by Saga[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°43′N 137°9′E Island: Honshu Region: Chūbu Capital: Toyama See also: Etchū Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Toyama Prefecture Toyama Prefecture (富山県 – Toyama-ken) is located in central Honshu, with its capital city being Toyama. It is bordered on the north by the Sea of Japan, Nagano and Niigata Prefectures on[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Koretada (father) Fujiwara no Yukinari (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikane (brother) Fujiwara no Kaishi (sister) Birth: 954AD Death: 974AD Fujiwara no Yoshitaka Fujiwara no Yoshitaka 藤原 義孝 (954 – 74) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,  more specifically the Hokke Branch of[...]

Umibozū The Umibozū (海坊主 – Sea Monk) is a type of Japanese Yōkai known to dwell far out in the deep ocean.1 Other Names This creatures goes by several other names, two of which are Umimyūdō and Umikozō.2 Other areas of Japan gives the creature even more names. On the[...]

Saku A Saku (柵 – also pronounced ki) is a type of stockade or palisade constructed in frontier regions. Notably, most were constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries in northern Honshu to defend against the northern Ezo People, as well as to provide administration to the surrounding areas. Known[...]

Road Wardens of Yomi The Road Wardens of Yomi are a collection of beings mentioned in one alternative version of the Nihongi are a residents of Yomi. In this version they appear at the Even Pass of Yomi after Izanagi has fled from his wife after seeing her rotting body. They[...]

Satori The Satori (覚) is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said to be a ‘kaku‘ which dwell in the mountains of Hida and Mino Provinces. The ‘kaku‘ is short for ‘kakuen‘ which is a legendary type of[...]

Oni The Oni (鬼) are a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. They are generally portrayed as enormous muscular creatures with either red or green skin, as well as having horns. They are said to wear loincloths or tiger-pelt togas, are known as[...]

Nutari no Ki Nutari no Ki (渟足柵) was a type of Saku (fortified frontier) erected in 647AD in the old Province of Echigo, close to the city of Niigata. It’s construction was carried out to serve as an outpost for the military to continue campaigns against the Ezo People of[...]

Iwafune no Ki Iwafune no Ki (磐舟柵) also known as Iwafune no Saku was a type of ‘Saku‘ (fortified frontier) in the old Province of Echigo, modern day Niigata Prefecture, close to the city of Murakami. It was established in 648AD as part of a campaign against the Ezo tribes in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ?? Kukurihime Kukurihime (菊理媛神) is a Shinto kami who appears in one alternative version of the Nihongi. She appears to Izanagi after he has left his wife in Yomi and divorced her. The Nihongi says that this kami says something enjoyable to Izanagi and then[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Yomotsukotosakanoo Yomotsukotosakanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi ‘purifies himself’ which produces the kami Yomotsukotosakanoo, this is immediately[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father?)   Hayatamanoo Hayatamanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi then spits on the ground which produces this kami[...]

Uwan The Uwan (うわん) is a type of Yōkai seen in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. It is portrayed as a clawed creature which haunts abandoned homes, however, little is actually known about this creature. It is perhaps named after the generic word for ‘monster’ in Kagoshima and Kumamoto[...]

Nihon Ryōiki The Nihon Ryōiki (日本霊異記 – A Record of Strange Ghostly Happenings in Japan) is an old piece of Japanese literature. Yōkai Within its collections it contains the story surrounding the Yōkai known as the Gagoze. It tells of a farmer finding a ‘thunder child’ in a storm. For[...]

Gagoze The Gagoze (元興寺, also known as Gangoji) is a type of Yōkai, depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. He is a kind of bogeyman from and is still used in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Shima to scare crying children into being quiet. The Kanji used to[...]

Tachibana River The Tachibana River, though its modern day location is unknown, is said to have historically been located in the area known as ‘Awaki‘ in Himuka Province. Due to this it would have been located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture. This is the river mentioned in both the Kojiki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Moon Family: Izanami? (mother) Izanagi (father) Susano-o (brother) Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi Tsukiyomi (月読) is the moon kami in Shinto mythology, brother to Amaterasu and Susano-o. Birth According to both the Kojiki and the Nihongi this kami was born from Izanagi after cleansing himself from the[...]

Wamiōsho The Wamiōsho is an old Japanese text. Within its pages it gives the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi the name ‘Gogome’, saying that their names were invoked as a kind of ‘bogey men’ to scare children.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the[...]

Nureonna The Nureonna (濡れ女) is a type of serpentine, female Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Often this creature is depicted with wet hair which is plastered against its head. However, depictions made by Toriyama Sekien show the creatures with waving hair as well as arms.[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°N 138°E Prefectures: ”To be completed.” Honshu Honshu (本州) is the main of the four islands of Japan. Mythological Creation According to the kojiki, this island (dubbed Yamato) was the last of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles made by the kami Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake.1[...]

Yamato Sanzan Yamato Sanzan (大和三山, Three Hillls of Yamato) are located near the city of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region. These three mountains are Unebiyama, Amanokagushima and Miminashiyama. All three of them are formed of igneous rock and are mentioned in the Man’yōshū.1 Mount Unebi Co-ordinates: 34°29′32.5″N135°47′06″E Height: 199.2m Mount[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture (now), Izumo Province (historically) Ifuya Pass The Ifuya Pass (Ifuya zaka), according to the Kojiki, is located in Izumo Province. This mountain pass was said to contain the location to the entrance to Yomi known as Hirasaka and is mentioned in the[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Border of Izumo and Hahaki Province Height: – Hibayama Hibayama (Mount Spirit Court) is stated in the Kojiki to be the location of the burial mound of Izanami. Sadly, its exact location is unknown, however, it is stated to be on the border between[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hyōbu-taifu Hyōbu-taifu was a man who holds links to the Yōkai known as the Hyōsube. During his lifetime he is said to have dealt with these Yōkai after they became a threat to the people living near Shiomi Jinja temple[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°40′53″N 135°50′54″E Region: Kansai Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Founded: 768AD Affiliation: Shinto Kasuga Taisha Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is a Shinto Shrine located in Nara. According to folklore, it is said to have been built with the help of the Yōkai known as the Hyōsube.1 External Links Official Shrine Website Footnotes[...]

Hyōsube Hyōsube (ひょうすべ) are a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo and Hyakkai Zukan. They are basically a kind of enchanted doll and can find their origins linked to the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara. The story states they helped build this temple before being sent to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Sokotsutsuo (parent) Nakatsutsuo (parent) Uhatsutsuo (parent) Utsushihikanasaku Utsushihikanasaku (宇都志日金析 – Daylight Net Weaver) is mention in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the child of the three kami of Suminoe by the name of Sokozutsuwo, Nakazutsuwo and Uhazutsuwo. They are the ancestor of the sea folk who[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Uhatsutsuo Uhatsutsuo (Surface Sail Man – 上筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana River after wanted to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsutsuo (sibling) Uhatsuwatatsumi Uhatsuwatatsumi (Surface Ocean Majesty – 上津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Nakatsutsuo Nakatsutsuo (Middle Sail Man – 中筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsutsuo (sibling) Nakatsuwatatsumi Nakatsuwatatsumi (Middle Ocean Majesty – 中津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Sokotsutsunoo Sokotsutsunoo (Bottom Sail Man – 底筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsutsuo (sibling) Sokotsuwatatsumi Sokotsuwatatsumi (Bottom Ocean Majesty – 底津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Medium (Occupation) Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome Izunome (Holy Woman – 伊豆能売) is mentioned in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the last of three to be born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body whilst bathing in the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Ōnaobi Ōnaobi (Great Remedy – 大直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the last of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Kaminaobi Kaminaobi (Sacred Remedy – 神直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the first of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Yasomagatsuhi (sibling) Ōmagatsuhi Ōmagatsuhi (Great Mishap Bringer – 大禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. They are not mentioned in the nihongi, however, the kojiki states they were the second of two[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōmagatsuhi (sibling) Yasomagatsuhi Yasomagatsuhi (Many Mishaps Bringer – 八十禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement.1 They were the only kami born from Izanagi cleansing away the impurities of Yomi according to the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Honshu Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake (天御虚空豊秋津根別 – Little Lord Plentiful Autumns Filling Heaven’s Mighty Firmament) was the child of Izanami and Izanagi and is said to be the kami of the island of Yamato (Honshu), the final of the Great Eight Isles according to the Kojiki.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Muchimaro (father) Fujiwara no Toyonari (brother) Fujiwara no Otomaro (brother) Fujiwara no Kosemaro (brother) Fujiwara no Sadatsugu (brother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (aunt) Emperor Shōmu (uncle) Birth: 706AD Death:764AD Fujiwara no Nakamarō Fujiwara no Nakamarō (藤原 仲麻呂) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

Reign: 724-749AD Period: Nara Period Family: Emperor Monmu (father) Fujiwara no Miyako (mother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (wife) Empress Kōken (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Genshō * Successor Empress Kōken Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇) was the 45th Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Emperor Monmu and Fujiwara no[...]

Reign: 707-715AD Born: 661AD Died: 721AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Monmu (son) Prince Kusakabe (husband) Empress Jitō (half-sister) Emperor Tenji (father) Empress Genshō (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Monmu * Successor Empress Genshō Empress Genmei Empress Genmei (元明 天皇) was the 43rd Emperor of Japan. Known before her ascension to the throne as Princess Abe.1[...]

Reign: 697-707AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Prince Kusakabe (father) Empress Genmei (mother) Empress Jitō (grandmother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Jitō * Successor Empress Genmei Emperor Monmu Emperor Monmu (文武天皇) was the 42nd Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Prince Kusakabe and Empress Genmei, and he was father[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Thunder Family: None The Eight Thunder Kami The Eight Thunder Kami are the Thunder kami in Shinto Mythology which dwell in the land of Yomi. In the kojiki they are seen crawling on the body of Izanami when her husband looks upon her dead body in Yomi.[...]

Yomi Yomi (黄泉) is the Land of the Dead or Underworld in Shinto Mythology. It is also called the ‘land that lies beneath the hard earth’s roots’ (Nenokatasukuni).2 We first see this place mentioned when Izanami dies after giving birth to the Fire-kami Kagutsuchi. Her husband/brother Izanagi enters into Yomi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Peaches Family: None Ōkamizumi Ōkamizumi (意富加牟豆美命 – Great Sacred Majesty) is the Shinto kami of the peaches which Izanagi plucked from a tree and held menacingly to scare away The Eight Thunder Kami and Shikome who were chasing him as he fled Yomi.1 This is mentioned[...]