Kyoto > Oni no Ashiato (鬼の足跡): Exploring the legends of demons in Oeyama.
※Description:
In the mountains of Ōeyama (大江山), located in the city of Fukuchiyama (福知山市) in the prefecture of Kyoto (京都府), lies one of the most fascinating and historical corners of Japan. This place is closely linked to stories of demons (“oni” in Japanese), mythical figures that are part of Japanese folklore. One of the most iconic sites is Oni no Ashiato (鬼の足跡), which translates to “the footprint of the demon,” along with Raikō no Koshikake Iwa (頼光の腰掛け岩), known as “the rock where Raikō rested.”
The area is also home to the Japan Demon Museum (Nihon no Oni no Kōryū Hakubutsukan 日本の鬼の交流博物館), where you can explore exhibits dedicated to the history and legends surrounding these beings. From traditional masks to historical accounts, the museum is a must-see for those wishing to immerse themselves in this intriguing aspect of Japanese culture.
In addition, for those looking to enjoy nature, near the museum there is a campsite where it is possible to stay and explore the natural beauty of the mountains. This space is ideal for disconnecting from the urban pace and appreciating the unique landscapes of the region.
Ōeyama is deeply linked to the legends of the oni, particularly with the famous demon Shuten-dōji (酒呑童子). It is said that this fearsome oni inhabited these mountains before being defeated by the hero Minamoto no Raikō (源頼光) and his companions. Local stories still resonate with the influence of this myth, making Ōeyama a place where history and legend intertwine.
If you visit this area, you can’t miss other nearby destinations such as Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan, or the majestic Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城), which adds a historical and cultural touch to your trip.
※NTRanking: 9.5 / 10
With a score of 9.5, Oni no Ashiato・Raikou no Koshikake Iwa (鬼の足跡・頼光の腰掛け岩) stands out as an almost exclusively domestic tourism destination, where international visitors are a rarity. This corner, deeply connected to Japanese mythology and enveloped in a natural environment, offers a unique cultural experience that few foreign travelers get to explore. Its peaceful atmosphere and historical richness make it an ideal place for those looking for a less touristy and more authentic Japan.
※How to get here:
・From Kyoto (about 2 hours):
- Take the JR San’in Line train from Kyoto Station (京都駅).
- Get off at Fukuchiyama Station (福知山駅), a journey time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- From Fukuchiyama, take a local bus heading to Oeyama (大江山) and get off at the Oni no Yakata-mae (鬼の館前) stop, which will take about 25 minutes.
・From Osaka (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). minutes):
- Take the JR Limited Express Kounotori train from Osaka Station (大阪駅).
- Get off at Fukuchiyama Station (福知山駅), a journey time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- From Fukuchiyama, take a local bus heading to Oeyama (大江山) and get off at the Oni no Yakata-mae (鬼の館前) stop, which will take about 25 minutes.
※Direction:
Oecho Busshoji, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto 620-0321
This post is created from No Tourist Japan blog post with their consent (Original Post).
