6 most haunted train stations in Japan

Searches for “ghost train rides” have surged by a spine-chilling 180% over the past month as Halloween creeps closer. Last week, a brave band of thrill-seekers shelled out up to $335 to hop aboard a zombie-infested Shinkansen, proving that the appetite for eerie escapades is as popular as ever this spooky season.

In the spirit of the season, the travel experts at JR Pass have brewed up a list of the most ‘haunted’ train stations in Japan, perfect for daring souls looking to embark on a ghostly journey.

Spooky rides: Japan’s most ‘haunted’ train stations revealed

1.  Doai Station (Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture)

The deepest train station in the country, Doai Station is nestled in a remote area surrounded by mountains and dense forests, giving it a mysterious feel. Nearby Tanigawadake is notorious for its treacherous trails, often referred to as the grimmest mountain in the world. This haunting history adds to the station’s ghostly allure, leading many to believe that the spirits of lost hikers linger in the area, forever searching for their way home.

Spooky experience: The station is eerily quiet, especially during off-peak hours. Passengers must descend a steep 70 meters (230 feet) from the entrance to reach the platforms – a walk that can feel downright spooky if you’re venturing alone. In 2021, JR East opened a glamping facility called Doai Village, inviting ghost-hunting tourists to spend a night in Japan’s creepiest train station.

2. Shinjuku Station (Tokyo)

Built in the early 20th century, Shinjuku Station now stands as one of the world’s busiest train stations, steeped in urban legends and ghostly tales. One particularly haunting aspect of Shinjuku’s history involves Toyama Park, situated just a 20-minute stroll north of the station. During World War II, this park was used as a burial site for Unit 731 – a secretive military unit. Visitors to Toyama Park often report hearing anguished sobs from the eastern hill, and witnessing mysterious, ghostly lights known as ‘hitodama’.

Spooky experience: For a truly spine-tingling experience, visit Shinjuku Station late at night when the crowds thin out. In the stillness, the tales of lost souls seem to come alive. Consider venturing out to Toyama Park, where eerie legends intertwine with the haunting history of the area.

3. Kawaguchiko Station (Yamanashi Prefecture)

With the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Fuji, the station attracts tourists seeking natural beauty. However, its proximity to Aokigahara casts a sombre shadow over its charm. This dense forest, located at the base of Mount Fuji, is often associated with ghostly encounters, making it a well-known hotspot for supernatural activity. The whispers of their untold stories are believed to linger, creating an unsettling atmosphere that permeates the area. 

Spooky experience: If you dare, visit Kawaguchiko Station during the twilight hours when the fading light casts an eerie glow over the landscape. A short walk toward Aokigahara may reveal the haunting echoes of the past, leading to spine-chilling encounters that will leave you breathless.

4. Kokudō Station (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kokudō Station, first opened in 1930, has become a captivating site for those intrigued by its eerie atmosphere, enticing urban explorers and ghost hunters alike. Largely unchanged over the decades, the station features World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs that tell tales of a bygone era. Once a bustling underpass corridor lined with lantern-lit izakayas, it now stands desolate and remains eerily quiet since the last of the bars closed in 2022.

Spooky experience: Make your way down into the dimly lit concourse where the dusty remnants of former shops and eateries, alongside peeling advertisements and graffiti-laden walls, create a haunting scene that lingers in your mind. As you wander through this forgotten realm, you might catch a glimpse of the spirits of past patrons – perhaps eternally searching for a drink or a long-lost train. 

5. JR Inari Station (Kyoto)

Situated right in front of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, the station which opened in 1994, is a magnet for spiritual energy. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that snake through the sacred Inari mountain, predating Kyoto’s thousand-year reign as Japan’s capital.  As dusk falls, the shrine’s tranquil paths take on a more eerie atmosphere, with swaying bamboo groves and fox statues (kitsune), said to be messengers of the gods, casting ominous shadows over the grounds. 

Spooky experience: A visit to the shrine after sunset is an exhilarating thrill. The shadows of the iconic torii gates sway in the flickering lantern light create a haunting ambiance. As you stroll through the otherworldly energy, you might feel the watchful eyes of the shrine’s guardians following your steps as you wait for your train home.

6. Kintetsu Nara Station (Nara Prefecture)

Nara Station is steeped in history, with the region’s past marked by battles and tragedies that linger in the air. Originally opened in 1914, the station has undergone significant changes over the years, serving as a gateway to Nara’s rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Adding to the mystique are the sacred deer of Nara Park – located just a stone’s throw from the station – who are considered messengers of the gods. Local folklore suggests that these deer were deemed sacred after one of the four gods of the Kasuga Shrine was spotted on a nearby mountain riding a white deer.

Spooky experience: Visit the station during the early morning or late evening when it’s quieter. In these hushed hours, you might hear the soft footsteps of unseen travelers – or perhaps the gentle rustle of a deer spirit passing by. 

Haroun Khan at JR Pass commented on why fall is the best time to visit Japan:

“Fall is the perfect time to experience Japan, as the country’s natural beauty really shines through. Destinations like Kyoto and Mount Fuji become even more breathtaking with all of the spectacular colours and the lovely autumn foliage.”

“What makes this season extra special is the atmosphere that Halloween brings; there are so many ghost stories and local folklore tales to look into. If you’re looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, Japan’s train stations have a rich history worth checking out. From the eerie silence of Doai Station to the ghostly legends surrounding Shinjuku, these spots offer a unique and thrilling way to experience Japan’s supernatural side. It truly is unlike any other place in the world.”

 

Feature Photos Kawaguchiko Station (Credit-Mumemories-Shutterstock.com)