Explore the legendary Yokai, spirits, and creatures

Hakutaku
Yokai

Hakutaku (白沢)

A wise beast from Chinese mythology known as Bai Ze in Chinese, who appeared to the emperor to reveal the names and attributes of 11,520 kinds of demons.

Hakuzōsu
Yokai

Hakuzōsu (白蔵主)

A clever fox yokai known for disguising itself as a Buddhist priest to deceive humans.

Hannya
Yokai

Hannya (般若)

A terrifying mask used in Noh theater representing a woman turned demon from jealousy and rage.

Harionago
Yokai

Harionago (針女)

A beautiful yet deadly yokai with barbed, prehensile hair used to ensnare and kill unsuspecting men.

Hayatarō
Yokai

Hayatarō (隼太郎)

A legendary dog from Zenkō-ji Temple, famous for defeating the sarugami—a monkey god who demanded human sacrifices.

Heikegani
Yokai

Heikegani (平家蟹)

These crabs bear faces resembling fallen Heike warriors, said to embody the spirits of those who perished in the Battle of Dan-no-ura.

Hibagon
Yokai

Hibagon (ヒバゴン)

A mysterious, ape-like creature seen in the forests of Hiroshima Prefecture, often considered Japan’s version of Bigfoot.

Hiderigami
Yokai

Hiderigami (日照り神)

A fearsome god or spirit responsible for droughts. It is said to dry up the land wherever it appears, withering crops and causing famine.

Hihi
Yokai

Hihi (狒々)

A monstrous baboon-like creature with sharp claws and incredible strength, said to dwell in the mountains and attack travelers.

Hitodama
Yokai

Hitodama (人魂)

A mysterious glowing orb believed to be the soul of a recently deceased person, floating through the night air.

Hitotsume-kozō
Yokai

Hitotsume-kozō (一つ目小僧)

A cyclopean childlike spirit who startles humans by suddenly appearing with a single eye in the center of its face.

Hoji
Yokai

Hoji (霍之)

The malevolent spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae, a legendary fox spirit who caused chaos and seduced emperors before being defeated and lingering as a curse.

Hōkō
Yokai

Hōkō (彭侯)

A legendary dog-like spirit that inhabits sacred trees, believed to grant blessings and protection to those who honor the forest.

Hone-onna
Yokai

Hone-onna (骨女)

A ghostly woman who appears beautiful at first but is truly a skeleton; she visits her former lover and drains his life.

Hō-ō
Mythical Creature

Hō-ō (鳳凰)

A legendary bird from Chinese mythology, adopted into Japanese culture, symbolizing virtue, peace, and the imperial family.

Hotoke
Spirit

Hotoke (仏)

A respectful term for the dead, often used to refer to the soul after passing. In Japanese folklore, hotoke may manifest as peaceful spirits or return as ghosts if not properly honored.

Hyakki Yakō
Yokai

Hyakki Yakō (百鬼夜行)

A legendary night procession of a hundred demons and spirits. Anyone witnessing it without protection would meet a dreadful fate. The event is often depicted in Japanese scrolls and folklore as a surreal and dangerous parade through the streets.

Hyakume
Yokai

Hyakume (百目)

A strange yokai covered in countless blinking eyes. It guards sacred places and temples from intruders, silently watching from the shadows. Each eye is said to hold supernatural powers.

Hyōsube
Yokai

Hyōsube (兵主部)

A hairy kappa-like creature known for sneaking into baths and leaving hair everywhere. While mischievous, it can become deadly if its hospitality is not respected.

Hyōtan-kozō
Yokai

Hyōtan-kozō (瓢箪小僧)

A playful yokai that resembles a small child carrying a gourd. Though harmless, it may startle passersby at night by popping out from shadows.