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Oiwa's tragedy unfolded as her husband betrayed her and poisoned her daily meals.
Explore Japan and visit the eerie shrine honoring the spirit of a woman betrayed by her husband in Tokyo
Oiwa Inari Shrine (also known as Oiwa Inari Tamiya Jinja) is located in one of the busiest areas of Tokyo – Shinjuku. This historical site attracts tourists not only for its convenient location but also for the mysterious stories in the 'most haunted location in Japan'.
The shrine commemorating Oiwa's soul is built on the very house where she once lived. There are various interpretations of her fate, but the most common is the haunting and heartbreaking story of her love life. Legend has it that Oiwa was a gentle and beautiful woman. She married the samurai Tamiya Iuzaemon and had a happy family life. The tragedy struck when her husband betrayed her and poisoned her daily meals. Her disfigured face upon death haunted Tamiya deeply.
Shortly after, the unfaithful husband took another step. On their wedding night, as he unveiled the bride's face, he witnessed the distorted visage of Oiwa. Horrified, Tamiya used his sword to behead his new wife and descended into madness.
After her demise, the locals erected a shrine to express their sympathy for the unfairly fated, beautiful and virtuous woman. Her tomb rests beside an ancient tree. This sacred shrine is believed to fulfill sincere prayers, turning every wish into reality. However, those who behave disrespectfully at the shrine may incur Oiwa's wrath, causing their right eye to swell.
Oiwa Inari Shrine is one of the haunted landmarks featured in the Tokyo ghost tour introduced in 2011, catering to adventurous travelers seeking spine-chilling experiences and a unique approach to Tokyo's history and culture.
The ghostly tale of Oiwa inspired playwrights in 1827, resulting in a renowned play. Furthermore, this eerie narrative has been adapted into over 30 films, TV shows, and animations. Interestingly, the image of the unfortunate girl's ghost serves as the basis for the long-haired female ghost character in the American film 'The Ring'.
What makes each artistic project unique is the tradition for the entire cast, especially those portraying Oiwa, to visit this shrine for blessings and permission. They believe that failing to do so may bring misfortune during the production.
By SuZi Nguyen/Star News
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 21, 2016
