8 Preserved Mythical Creatures Discovered in Secluded Japanese Temples

Hidden away in remote areas, Shinto temples in Japan are said to safeguard the ancient, mummified remains of creatures ranging from ogres to mermaids. These relics are widely regarded as intricate fake taxidermy, crafted for amusement at Edo Period carnivals known as Misemonos. The earnings from these events often supported local shrines, and the mummies were either displayed alongside or later linked to myths reflecting regional traditions. Today, centuries later, they remain some of the most fascinating and unique artifacts of cultural heritage. Below are a few examples of these mythical mummified beings and their locations.

1. DEMONS (ONI)

Ogres, known as oni, are prominent figures in Shinto mythology. Typically dwelling in the underworld, some of these vividly colored creatures are said to roam the Earth, committing heinous acts such as devouring humans. One such ogre may have met its match in the town of Naruto, as evidenced by the relics housed at Kikotsuji Temple. Within a golden shrine, visitors can find thumb-sized ogre molars and a distinctive, rounded horn.

Another ogre's remains are located in Usa, near the Jyuppouzan Daijyoin temple complex. A staircase of 108 steps leads to a fully preserved mummified body, featuring horns and three-fingered hands. While the exact age of the specimen is unknown, it was held by a noble family for generations until 1925, when the family patriarch fell ill. Convinced the ogre relic had cursed him, he donated it to the temple and, according to reports, recovered shortly after.

2. THE BULL DEMON (USHI-ONI)

The term Ushi-Oni refers to supernatural beings with an ox's head, often depicted as large, bipedal flying squirrels. For those curious about these creatures, Negoro-ji, a temple near Iwade, offers a glimpse. Outside stands a statue of a wide-eyed, dancing ushi-oni, while inside, the temple displays the horns of one such creature, reportedly killed 400 years ago by the renowned archer Yamada Kurando Takakiyois.

Another ushi-oni's remains are preserved at Ishishikakizan Kannonji temple in Kurume. This creature was defeated by the priest Konko Fujinori Konnon, who relied solely on the power of prayer. The temple claims to have possessed the mummified foot of the ushi-oni for nearly 1000 years since its defeat.

3. MERMAIDS

While Disney's The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel leaving the ocean to become human, the Japanese legend of happyaku bikuni takes a darker turn. In this tale, a mermaid sacrifices her life not for love, but to end up as a meal.

A mermaid's mummified remains, which escaped becoming food, are displayed in a small temple near Hashimoto. According to local lore, the creature was caught in a river a millennium ago and brought to the temple. Its horrifying expression, frozen in a scream, is far from the romantic image of a Disney princess.

Another mermaid mummy resides in the Hachinohe City Museum. This specimen is unique for having two screaming faces on a single head. The museum also boasts the remains of a tengu, another mythical being from Japanese folklore.

4. TENGU

The tengu, often depicted as a hybrid of a human and a crow, is notorious for its malevolent behavior. These creatures are said to abduct people, leaving them stranded on mountain peaks or plummeting to their deaths. The Wakayama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore houses a complete mummified tengu, its shriveled body supported by a wooden crutch.

In Ibaraki, the Sōji-ji temple displays the elongated skull of a larger tengu. Equally striking is the mummified body of a Raiju, a storm spirit, exhibited alongside the skull.

5. RAIJU

Raiju are believed to personify storms, wreaking havoc by striking the earth, destroying trees, and igniting fields when provoked. While their appearance varies in Shinto folklore, all mummified examples resemble feline creatures. In Nagaoka, the treasury of Saishō-ji temple showcases a preserved raiju among other ancient artifacts. Similarly, Iwate-ji Temple in Hanamaki houses another raiju, displayed in an intricately carved wooden box.

6. KUDAN

The kudan, a creature with a cow's body and a human face, is thought to originate from calves born with genetic abnormalities. These beings, which live only briefly, are said to possess the ability to predict the future. Although historical records mention many mummified kudan, the sole surviving example belongs to Chan Kihon Kihara, a self-proclaimed “mystery collector” who occasionally lends it to museums.

7. DRAGONS

Japanese dragons, similar to their Chinese counterparts, are depicted as wingless, serpentine creatures with four clawed limbs. The Zuiryūzan Hōun-ji temple, near Chichibu, claims to have unearthed a dragon's lower jaw on its premises hundreds of years ago.

In Osaka, Ruilong Temple houses the mummified remains of an entire dragon. According to legend, the dragon was bought by General Akizawa from a Chinese farmer who allegedly saw the creature die, struck it with a stick, and smuggled it to Japan in a sack. The temple also displays a mummified mermaid and a preserved kappa, one of Japan's most famous mythical beings.

8. KAPPA

Kappa, often portrayed as turtle-like beings from Shinto folklore, are notorious for pulling people into rivers and lakes, often leading to drownings. To appease them, people offer cucumbers, their favorite food. One notable spot for such offerings is Sogenji, a kappa-themed temple in Tokyo's Kappai-dori district. The temple houses an extensive collection of kappa-related items, ranging from ancient scrolls to souvenir mugs, and even a mummified kappa hand stored in a wooden box.

Illustration by Zardulu

A more extensive collection of kappa remains is exhibited in Imari at the Matsuuraichi Shuzo Sake Brewery. According to reports, a carpenter discovered the mummy during renovations in the 1960s. The brewery owner, acknowledging its cultural value, transformed it into a tourist attraction and embraced it as the company's emblem. Cheers!