Just in time for Halloween, we’ve put together a list of the most haunted train stations in Japan. 

Intro
Japan’s Most Haunted Train Stations
Halloween in Japan
Where to celebrate Halloween in Japan?
Travel tips during for Halloween in Japan
Bonus Recommendations

Intro

This spooky season, if you’re looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, why not take a thrilling ride along Japan’s railways to explore the haunted histories of the country’s most ghostly train stations. From the eerie silence of Doai Station to the mystical legends surrounding Shinjuku, these spots offer a unique and spine-chilling way to experience Japan’s supernatural side during Halloween. It truly is unlike any other place in the world. Ready for a thrill ride?

Japan’s Most Haunted Train Stations

You’ll certainly find no shortage of ghost stories, folk tales, spirits and demons in Japan, both historically and in contemporary media, from spirits of the moon, dragon kings, and goblins without bodies, to water imps, sun goddesses, animal spirits, and an underworld for lost children, but for a more off-beat and alternative Halloween, how about a tour of the country’s most haunted train stations? This might not seem as scary a prospect as delving into a world of spirits and dragons, but trust us when we say there’s much more to these ghost stations than meets the eye…! Here’s six of the spookiest to get your Halloween train tour started:

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. The station is eerily quiet, especially during off-peak hours. Passengers must descend a steep 70 metres (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’. 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. 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. 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. 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 deers 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. 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 travellers - or perhaps the gentle rustle of a deer spirit passing by. 

Halloween in Japan

Japan’s Halloween celebrations are as fun and colourful as you might expect from a country that loves cosplay, anime, manga, theme parks, and computer games. You’ll find lots of Halloween parties to choose from, including special club nights for grown-ups, street parties, family friendly events, and fun-filled and extra spooky celebrations at the country’s biggest theme parks (which played a major role in making Halloween so popular in Japan). Although Hallowen is a relatively new addition to Japan’s contemporary culture and annual celebrations, it’s becoming increasingly popular especially with young people. In the 1990s, Tokyo Disneyland introduced Halloween to Japan, and it has gathered momentum ever since becoming a much loved annual event. A few years later, Universal Studios Japan joined in the festivities. The two major theme parks were instrumental in bringing Halloween to Japan and the celebration has spread its way across the country. While the general Halloween concept is the same, there are some differences between the Japanese and American versions. First, the Japanese don’t focus on trick-or-treating like Americans do. This is because of the difference in culture — Japan frowns upon anything that would bother other people. Instead, Halloween is a time for adults to dress up, have fun, and party. Additionally, Japan does not view Halloween as a time when spirits are able to walk the Earth. They have their own holiday focused on spiritual reconnection called the Obon Festival. This festival is a Buddhist tradition that has been celebrated for over 500 years. Though Halloween is celebrated differently in Japan, it is still enjoyed for many similar reasons as elsewhere around the world. More than anything, Halloween in Japan is fun, fun, fun! There is a big party culture around Halloween and it is the perfect time to dress up and embrace your inner child! This is something that’s definitely part of contemporary Japanese culture - cosplay!

Where to celebrate Halloween in Japan?

From grown-up Halloween parties for adults to family friendly activities and theme parks, you’ll find spooky events and fun-filled parties happening before, during, and after Halloween in Japan. Here are a couple of suggestions from Halloween events in Japan that are typically staged annuall

• Tokyo Disneyland Halloween

Disney loves Halloween and its Tokyo resort brings the fun to the spooky season! Tokyo Disneyland starts its Halloween celebration in September and it goes on until October 31. However, if visitors wish to partake in the festivities, there are rules to follow. First, cosplayers must dress up like Disney characters, for which a list of appropriate characters is provided. Second, no weapons or heavy makeup is allowed, or any simulated injury that could be mistaken as real. Third, no overly-revealing costumes are allowed, and, lastly, patrons cannot change clothes or touch up makeup in the park’s bathrooms. Of course, despite the family friendly rules, Halloween at Tokyo Disneyland is super fun! 

• Universal Studios Japan, Halloween

Osaka’s Universal Studios goes just as big on Halloween as their rivals at Tokyo Disneyland. While the latter is perfect for younger children and families, Universal Studios Japan Halloween events might appeal more to older kids and teenagers. If you’re in Osaka this October and you love Halloween, don’t miss it! 

• Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome’s annual pumpkin exhibition

Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome’s annual pumpkin exhibition in Ibaraki prefecture features more than 100 pumpkins, some  weighing up to 100 kg each!

• Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest

The Ikebukuro cosplay festival includes parades, runway events, and photoshoots. It is a two-day event and is held in Toshima Ward, Tokyo. One year, the event saw over 20,000 cosplayers and 105,000 visitors.

• Kagurazaka Bake Neko Festival

Part-festival, part-parade, Bake Neko means ‘Changed Cat’, which makes this family friendly Halloween festival, a parade for those who A) love cats and B) love the idea of changing into a cat for Halloween! It’s a fun mix of Japanese folklore and Halloween - could you get more fun?!

Travel tips during for Halloween in Japan

Halloween in Japan shouldn’t be limited to just one city. All throughout the country, the Japanese gear up for the spooky holiday. Taking a tour by rail using the JR Pass for unlimited travel across the country ensures a multitude of different Halloween experiences. Other travel tips include:

• Bring cash, as some places might not take credit cards;
• Use pocket wi-fi to stay up-to-date on events;
• Travelling by foot is easier in big cities;
• Eat at convenience stores for cheap food;
• And most importantly, whether it’s a party on a train or a parade in Tokyo Disneyland, dressing up is a must! 

Bonus Recommendations

• Looking for more on Halloween? Read our guides to Celebrating Halloween in Japan and Halloween: Costumes, Parties, and Travel Tips.
• Meanwhile, for on trains and train stations in Japan read our Top Ten Amazing Facts About Japan’s Trains or our guide on The Biggest and Busiest Train Stations in Japan.
• You can also find more on Japan’s theme parks by reading our guides to Tokyo Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Japan.
• Finally for more on Japan’s spiritual side and ancient mythology, be sure to check our Spiritual Guide to Japan and our articles on the Folktales of Japan for more.