I’ve always been drawn to the eerie corners of folklore — the ones that blur the line between myth and reality. And few legends are as unsettling as that of Kuchisake-Onna, the Slit-Mouthed Woman. Her ghost is said to wander Japan, asking passersby if they think she’s beautiful before revealing her gruesome, permanently grinning mouth. But what many don’t realize is that this urban legend has left real footprints across the country.

Here are five locations tied to Kuchisake-Onna that every curious traveler should know — places where the legend has taken root in the land itself.

1. Mount Kōya, Wakayama Prefecture

Mount Kōya, a sacred Buddhist site, is often cited as one of the possible origins of Kuchisake-Onna’s story. According to some versions of the legend, she was once a skilled healer and samurai’s wife who was betrayed and mutilated by her jealous husband. Some say she died in this region, and her spirit began to haunt the misty mountain paths.

The dense forests and quiet temple grounds make it easy to imagine encountering a figure with a too-wide smile. Locals still warn children not to wander alone after dark near the Okunoin Cemetery, where thousands of lanterns flicker under ancient cedars.

2. Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya is one of the cities where Kuchisake-Onna sightings surged during the 1970s, in what some call a “mass hysteria” event. Schoolchildren reported encounters near subway stations and underpasses, often late at night or during rain. Parents grew so concerned that some schools issued warnings about walking home alone.

Though the sightings eventually faded, the legend remains embedded in the city's urban memory. If you walk through the narrow alleys of Osu or near the canals of Horiba-cho, you might still hear locals whisper about the woman in red who appears when it’s quiet.

3. Tokyo: Yotsuya Station Area

Yotsuya, a district in Tokyo, is often associated with ghost stories — not least because of its connection to Yotsuya Kaidan, one of Japan’s most famous ghost tales. But it’s also a rumored haunt of Kuchisake-Onna.

The area’s narrow streets and proximity to old Edo-era roads make it a plausible setting for her legend. Some say her spirit wanders the elevated walkways near Yotsuya Station, especially on rainy nights. The juxtaposition of ancient dread and modern neon makes for a uniquely eerie experience.

4. Kyoto: Gion District

Gion, Kyoto’s famed geisha district, is steeped in supernatural lore. It’s said that Kuchisake-Onna has appeared in this neighborhood, where hanami parties and lantern-lit streets give way to shadowy alleys. The contrast between the elegance of Gion and the horror of her tale adds a layer of gothic tension.

Locals sometimes refer to her as a yokai — a supernatural creature — and some believe her spirit was summoned by the curses of women wronged in the past. Walking through Gion after dark, you can almost feel the tension in the air.

5. Okayama Prefecture: Legend’s Possible Historical Roots

Some scholars trace Kuchisake-Onna’s origins to Okayama, where historical records mention a woman named Satsuki who was disfigured for infidelity. The story goes that she became a vengeful spirit, cursed to roam the earth asking others to judge her appearance.

Though much of this is speculative, the region has embraced the legend in local festivals and haunted house attractions. It’s a reminder that behind every ghost story, there’s often a real tragedy.

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If you’re intrigued by Kuchisake-Onna’s haunting tale and want to explore more — or even ask her what she wants when she asks, “Am I beautiful?” — you can chat with her directly on HoloDream. She might just surprise you with her side of the story.