Yokai of Kansai
The ancient heartland around Kyoto and Nara is where legend and history meet. On Mt. Ōe and in the imperial court, the classic tales of demon-slaying heroes unfold, and the Kii peninsula's coasts hide their own monsters.
Ushi-oni
牛鬼A savage ox-headed monster that haunts coasts and preys on humans.
fierce
Sazae-oni
栄螺鬼A turban-snail that lives long enough to become a shapeshifting sea demon.
cunning
Wanyudo
輪入道A flaming ox-cart wheel bearing the face of a tormented monk that rolls down roads.
menacing
Tamamo-no-Mae
玉藻前A nine-tailed fox disguised as a beautiful court lady who bewitches an emperor.
cunning
Tsuchigumo
土蜘蛛A giant earth spider that ensnares heroes in monstrous webs.
fierce
Shuten-doji
酒呑童子The sake-loving oni king of Mt. Oe, slain by Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
fierce
Nue
鵺A chimeric night beast: monkey's face, tiger's limbs, snake for a tail.
ominous
Nurarihyon
滑瓢A gourd-headed old yokai who slips into homes and acts like the master.
mysterious
Kitsune
狐A shapeshifting fox spirit that gains tails and wisdom with age.
cunning
Tengu
天狗A proud mountain spirit with a red face and long nose, master of martial arts.
proud
Oni
鬼Horned, fanged ogres of immense strength, often red or blue.
fierce