Touring haunted places offers a unique atmosphere and thrill not found in other tourist spots.
Recently, videos of tours of haunted places have become popular on YouTube and other social media, and haunted places and ghost stories have become another hot topic in Japan.
This time, I, a resident of Sapporo, will introduce the top 5 famous haunted places in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
1. Heiwa no Taki Waterfall (Nishi-ku, Sapporo)
One of the most famous haunted places in Sapporo is Heiwa No Taki Waterfall (「平和の滝」= Heiwa No Taki; heiwa means peace, and taki means waterfall).
Heiwa No Taki is located on the Hassamu River in Kotoni, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, and known as a natural “power spot” frequented by climbers during the day.
However, at night, the scene changes drastically. It is dark, and an unapproachable vibe fills the air.
I'm heading for Peace Falls, a well-known haunted spot, but I'm already scared and want to turn back. pic.twitter.com/fq69QDnAIl
- Tamama (@tamamatan) July 13, 2022
The sound of the waterfall's “thud” is eerie and gives the illusion of being connected to some other world.
In fact, suicides by throwing oneself into the waterfall basin and burning oneself in public toilets have occurred, and there are numerous scary rumors such as "if you smell burning in the toilet, you will see a ghost" and "if you take a picture with the waterfall in the background, you can take a ghost picture."
At night, the road to Peace Falls is also eerie, and many people turn back when they try to visit. It is a place where one must be prepared to actually go.
2. Nishioka Water Source (Toyohira-ku, Sapporo)
The second famous haunted place in Sapporo is the "Nishioka Water Source."
The Nishioka Water Source, located in Nishioka Park, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, is a reservoir with an area of 7.35㎢.
"Nishioka Park" is a playground where many people, from children to adults, come to play, and where insects, birds, and even fireflies can be seen in the summer, so if you visit during the day, it seems like a place that has no connection to haunted places.
There is also a promenade around the Nishioka Water Source, which can be used as a walking course.
The reason why such a relaxing place for citizens has become a haunted spot is because there is a rumor that "if you take a picture near the triangular-roofed tower in the water source area, you can take a ghost picture."
In the past, there was a murder in this area, and it is said that the spirit of the murder is captured in the photo. It would be scary if the photos were haunted without your knowledge.
If you have taken a ghost photo, we recommend that you go for a proper exorcism.
3. Old Kobetsusawa Tunnel (Nishi-ku, Sapporo)
The Old Kobetsuzawa Tunnel was dug by human power around 1927, and together with the Heiwa No Taki Waterfall and Nishioka Water Source, these places are sometimes referred to as the "three most haunted places in Sapporo."
It originally served as a lifeline for citizens until the new tunnel was opened in 2003, but it has been closed since the new tunnel was built.
A little something on the bike today.
- Chokkari (@powdeer) May 15, 2022
I was curious about the old Kobetsuzawa Tunnel behind Triangle Mountain where there was a bear scare, so I checked the site.
The entrance was sealed off, so we could not confirm the hand digging.# Old Kobetsuzawa Tunnel pic.twitter.com/tHU9sikLq5
There is a small shrine near the entrance on the Kobetsuzawa side, but it is unclear what it enshrines.
There is a three-way fork in the road in front of the new tunnel, and you can reach the old tunnel by following the road on the right.
It is rumored that people who were forced to dig the old Kobetsuzawa Tunnel during the war and lost their lives during the hard labor were buried in the tunnel, and it is said that the spirits with their grudge are still wandering around today.
The place has a scary atmosphere even in the daytime, so please be very careful if you visit.
4. Oiranbuchi (Minami-ku, Sapporo)
Monan Park, located in the Kawasai area of Minami Ward, Sapporo, was once called “Oiranbuchi” (「花魁淵」= Oiran buchi; "oiran" was a title for high ranking courtesans in olden Japan) and is known as one of the best spots for ghost stories in Sapporo.
At the end of the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), one of the Oirans who had been recruited from Yoshiwara (a famous red light district (「花街」= hanamachi) in Tokyo) was betrayed, immensely dissatisfied by the work, and eventually committed suicide by throwing herself in the waters.
Even today, there are rumors that the spirit of the oiran who committed suicide is still wandering around the area.
There are also rumors that the spirits of police officers wander around the park, as a police officer involved in a corruption case committed suicide in the men's restroom, and another police officer shot himself in the police box near the park.
If you pass by this park at night, it is best to leave quickly to avoid encountering the spirits.
5. Toyoha Elementary and Junior High School (Minami Ward, Sapporo)
Toyoha Elementary and Junior High School, located in Jozankei, a hot spring resort in Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a haunted place where the spirits of cars are said to chase after people.
The school was closed in 2002 and the building was demolished in 2011; it no longer exists, but there have been many rumors of psychic phenomena since its demise.
There is a former mine site nearby, and when driving in the area, a car suddenly appears from behind and runs after you at a high speed, and then will eventually disappear.
Be careful when driving in this area at night.
There are many haunted places in Sapporo!
As you can see, Sapporo, Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination, but in fact, there are many haunted places in the city.
If you are interested, I recommend you to visit during the daytime so that you can enjoy it as a normal sightseeing spot or park.
However, whatever happens is your own responsibility, so please be careful not to do anything dangerous. Be especially careful at night.
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