MYTHOLOGY / YŌKAI & LEGENDS
Japanese Mythology: Gods, Yōkai & Legends
Explore Japan’s kami and gods, classical myths and legendary figures, then discover yōkai, ghosts and urban legends. Browse the stories and their cultural context, whether you are planning a visit or reading out of curiosity.
Kami, gods, legends, yōkai & living tradition.
Genbu
玄武
Genbu is the northern guardian of the Four Divine Creatures: a black tortoise, often entwined with a snake, whose clearest ancient Japanese image survives on the north wall of the Kitora Tumulus.
Komainu
狛犬
Komainu are threshold guardians of Japanese sacred space, descended from imported lion imagery and transformed in Japan into paired protectors whose forms changed from indoor wooden sculpture to familiar outdoor stone sentinels.
Kaguya-hime
An entry in the Unmapped Japan member mythology library.
Kintarō
An entry in the Unmapped Japan member mythology library.
Momotarō
An entry in the Unmapped Japan member mythology library.
Yamata no Orochi
An entry in the Unmapped Japan member mythology library.