Himuro Mansion in Japan

In this story, we will be taking a look at the Himuro mansion in Japan. Located on a rocky area within the outskirts of Tokyo, this impressive building hosts many malevolent spirits due to its dark and twisted history…

The Himuro Family

Legend suggests that the Himuro family had a dark responsibility thrown upon them – every half-century they were tasked with performing an ancient Shinto ritual.

This ritual centered on raising a woman in secret so that evil forces might eventually enter the world through her limbs (she was effectively torn apart by being strapped to large and powerful oxen).

The final woman that was sacrificed (said to have been in the early 1900s) managed to strike up a relationship with a local man before her death.

This secret love essentially negated the sacrifice and the heads of the Himuro family became frightened about the demonic force’s response.

Taking a traditional sword, the patriarch murdered his entire family – he felt that this death was a much better option for his family than what the evil forces had in store for them!

Apparitions

Ever since the mass murder of the Himuro family, there have been a wide variety of paranormal incidents reported at the location of the house.

The most common of these reports usually involve apparitions of the family members combing the area. These sightings have taken place both in the day and at night.

himuro mansion

Witnesses have also reported seeing handprints made from blood on the mansion walls along with blood splatters…similar to the blood markings left behind by a sword swipe.

Legend has it that the spirits of the mansion have also claimed a few lives over the past century – several bodies have been found with rope marks burnt into their wrists and ankles…

The Twist…

An interesting report from Japan right? But is it true?

The Himuro Mansion is actually best known to gamers who fell in love with the video game Fatal Frame. The creators of this game claim to have based it on the legend of the Himuro Mansion.

So where is the exact location of this mansion?

Well, that seems to divide opinion…but why? Why would the location of such a famous paranormal property be kept under lock and key?

Over the last few years, numerous people have come forward online claiming that this story is actually an American urban legend – it has nothing to do with Japan!

There are also those who claim this was a consciously created urban legend – for a viral marketing campaign linked to the game itself!

Was the presence and the power of the internet the main reason this paranormal report (story) became so popular?

Why do some people still insist that this mansion actually exists and the legend is true?

Is it nothing more than a rather successful attempt at marketing a popular video game?