Ghostly Kyoto

Ancient temples, cursed bridges, and ghostly women – discover 87 supernatural tales in which Kyoto's history and Buddhist lore are intertwined with restless spirits, Hungry Ghosts, and the rituals that ward them off. In Kyoto, ghosts are not just stories – they are neighbors, warnings, and sometimes protectors.

This atmospheric collection brings together legends from Japan's former capital, where every street corner, every shrine, and every cherry tree carries its own haunted whisper. From the fires of Obon that guide the ancestors home, to the Demon Gate, to wells said to lead straight into hell – each tale shows Kyoto's vivid relationship with the otherworld.

• Vengeful onryō, insatiable Hungry Ghosts, and poetic spirits of the Six Worlds
• Monks who haggle with the King of Hell, statues that bleed or move
• Women whose longing echoes through the centuries

The stories come from centuries-old chronicles, temple traditions, and the whispered warnings of Kyoto taxi drivers. Written with the intimacy of a local perspective and the curiosity of a folklorist, this is a rare English-language treasure trove of Japanese ghost stories – ideal for anyone interested in yōkai, the Buddhist afterlife, and the mysterious rituals that shape Kyoto's everyday life. These tales will change the way you see the city – and what wanders its shadowy alleys.