Explore our collection of Japanese folklore creatures. Use filters to find specific types or regions.
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Showing 25 of 25 yokai
安倍晴明
Abe no Seimei was a real historical figure who served as an onmyoji (spiritual advisor) to the emperors of the Heian period. In folklore, he is the Japanese equivalent of Merlin—a powerful sorcerer born of a human father and a kitsune (fox) mother. He is the most famous occultist in Japanese history.
赤マント
Aka Manto is a famous Japanese urban legend about a malicious spirit that haunts public toilets and school bathrooms. He asks occupants a trick question: 'Red paper or blue paper?' The answer determines their gruesome fate.
白狐
Byakko is a benevolent fox spirit, known for serving the god Inari, and is often found in shrines.
荼枳尼天
Dakini is a powerful deity, known for riding white foxes, and is often found in Inari shrines.
百々目鬼
Dodomeki is a cursed demon, known for having arms covered in eyes, and is often found in towns.
百目
Hyakume is a mysterious fleshy monster, known for having a hundred eyes, and is often found in old temples.
茨木童子
Ibaraki Doji is a powerful oni, known as the deputy of Shuten Doji, and is often found on Mount Oe.
犬神
Inugami are dog spirits created through a cruel ritual to serve as familiars. They bring wealth and power to their owners (Inugami-mochi) but can also curse enemies or bite the hand that feeds them.
磯撫
A massive, shark-like sea monster that patrols the coasts of Western Japan. It has a giant tail covered in barbs which it uses to hook sailors from their boats and drag them into the deep.
縊鬼
A terrifying ghost of someone who committed suicide by hanging. It seeks to trick or force living people into hanging themselves so that the Itsuki can be freed from its torment and reincarnate.
以津真天
Itsumade is an eerie bird monster that appears during times of plague, war, or famine. It flies over the Imperial Palace or mass graves crying out 'Itsumade? Itsumade?' which means 'Until when?'—asking how long the suffering and neglect will continue.
地獄
Jigoku is the Buddhist realm of Hell, a frightening place of punishment where sinners are sent after death. It is ruled by the Ten Kings, most famously Enma Daiou, who judge the souls of the dead.
絡新婦
The Jorogumo is a giant spider yokai that can transform into a beautiful woman. It lures men into quiet places, seduces them, and then binds them in sticky webs to devour them later.
樹木子
Jubokko is a vampiric tree, known for drinking human blood, and is often found on old battlefields.
貝児
A tsukumogami (object spirit) born from a kai-awase (shell-matching game) set. It appears as a child playing with the shells.
麒麟
The Kirin is one of the most sacred divine beasts in Japanese mythology. It appears only during times of great peace or to herald the birth of a sage. It is considered more divine than even dragons or phoenixes.
狐火
Kitsunebi is a spirit orb, known for appearing as ghostly fire, and is often found in fields or mountains.
子泣き爺
Konaki Jijii is a deceptive spirit, known for crushing victims with its weight, and is often found on mountain roads.
虎狼狸
Korouri is a chimeric beast, known for spreading cholera, and is often found in urban areas.
古戦場火
Kosenjoubi is a ghost fire, known for floating over battlegrounds, and is often found on old battlefields.
狐者異
Kowai is a hungry ghost, known for its insatiable appetite, and is often found near food stalls.
鬼火
Onibi is a dangerous spirit fire, known for draining life energy, and is often found in graveyards.
式神
Shikigami is a summoned servant, known for obeying onmyoji masters, and is often found in rituals.
菅原道真
Sugawara no Michizane is a powerful god, known for controlling storms, and is often found in Tenmangu shrines.
鰐
Wani is a sea monster, known for ruling the oceans, and is often found in the deep sea.