Kyoto Hidden North: Beautiful Shrines, Yokai & Cursed History
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto's enchanting twilight and delve into the city's supernatural past on this adult-only walking tour. Immerse yourself in yokai folklore, ancient rituals, and the intricate beliefs that shaped Kyoto's history. Traverse through haunting sites connected to spirit control, uncover the legends of Abe no Seimei, and learn about shrines built for protection against curses. The journey concludes in a serene ritual garden, allowing for reflection in a space once used to appease powerful forces.
- Adult-only tour focused on Kyoto’s supernatural folklore and history
- Discover yokai legends, spirit control, and ancient rituals
- Visit significant sites related to Japan's dark history and beliefs
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not allowed for kids under 16 and adults over 60 years old
Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Be able to climb stairs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Daishogun Hachi Shrine
Daishogun Hachi Shrine 大将軍八神社 A shrine built to protect Kyoto from supernatural invasion through directional deities and ancient curse-blocking rituals.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangū A thousand-year-old shrine where ambition meets prayer. Dedicated to the spirit of scholarship, it draws students seeking luck before exams and visitors who come for the early-blooming plum blossoms that paint the grounds in soft pink. Historic, elegant, and quietly powerful, this is Kyoto’s sanctuary for focus, hope, and fresh beginnings.
What‘s Included
The True Dark History of Kyoto
Professional Guide
1 drink (alcoholic or non-acoholic)
Public transportation
Pick-up Service
Tips (WELCOMED & ACCEPTED)
Dinner
Options
Cursed Yokai Walking Tour
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
highly informative and fun tour
Culture42482926697,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we already went to the ghost tour and were excited about this one as well. VERY informative and cool locations we'd probably not would have seen otherwise. our guide Kalle was again very nice and patient with us. thanks for the nice tour!
Walk through the streets
Juicy M,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We walked through the streets of Kyoto and stopped by at the shrines and temples which would normally go under the radar for most travelers. Our guide Z knew how to balance between comedy and drama despite most of the topics being dark and serious. Would do this again if given the chance.
Unique and interesting
emmasM9117VQ,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and insightful. It was a relatively small group so we also got more of a private tour on a budget. Thanks Zoey. It was superb!
For historical fans
Trek34412063290,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a real gem of a tour. We met up at a train station near the routes and the guides picked us up from there. We were told stories, myths and histories that were pretty much obscure to the general public. Special thanks to our guides, Zowe and Erik for making this a memorable experience.
Fun and informative
Wai Yan L,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was very informative. The guides, Kale and Zoi were knowledgeable and good to talk with. Would recommend this to folks who are looking to learn more about Yokai and just generally about Kyoto's dark history.
For paranormal lovers
Y6653OGveronicaa,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fun experience for paranormal enthusiasts. Being in the bamboo forest at night was cool and created an eerie vibe. At the beginning of the tour our guides purchased drinks for everyone, super nice. The tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We were told true crime stories which were truly horrifying, if you’re into true crime this tour is also for you. I will definitely checkout and tour from the same company for my next visit since I enjoyed this one!
Experience to live absolutely
lindabU9924LN,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful walk in typical Kyoto neighborhoods, away from mass tourism and full of charm. Our guides were very knowledgeable and told you many anecdotes and “cursed” stories that made this moment unique. I highly recommend this experience to all those who want to know a different ancestral Kyoto.
A real gem of a tour
U7332RFjakem,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is NOT a ghost tour. I went with my partner and was surprised by history I’ve never heard about Kyoto AND Japan before. A true recommendation for the ones who wants to try something more historical than a ghost tour but still very dark (theme wise) Also Eric and Zowe were engaging guides throughout!
Yokai walk
Go49868168930,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We liked the event if I could I would go back
Very fun and informative
Myat P,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had a blast. We got more than what we asked for. Our tour guides, Erick and Zo were fantastic! Would recommend this to anyone who wants to listen to Yokai history.
From ¥6,500
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Japanify Tours