Thanks to the fact that no major battles were fought here, the castle survived centuri… Okiku's Well (Banshu Sarayashiki) at Himeji Castle - Himeji, Japan In the center of Himeji, Japan on a hill top above the city, the tower of Himeji Castle rises into the skyline. To accomplish this, he decided to steal one the precious gilded plates that Okiku was entrusted with. Yes, the well! However, it is widely accepted by the local people that Okiku’s soul does indeed, to this day, come out of the well at night to scream the number of gilded plates. I’ve been toying with the idea of writing this article on the North Sentinel Island …, © Copyright realunexpectedstories.com 2020, Okiku’s Well – The Epic True Story Of The Haunted Himeji Castle, World of Mysteries – On the Trail of Bigfoot, Cosmic Energy Manipulation – Free Cosmic Energy Profile, Learning Numerology Online – Numerologist.com Review, The Plan – Paranormal Investigation Software, Mel 8704R Paranormal Ghost Hunting 3 in 1 Instrument, Olympus VN-7200 – Best Digital Voice Recorder For Ghost Hunting, Review – 1080p HD Ghost Hunting Night Vision Camera, The Dogon People of Africa – The Mystery of The Nommos. The well is located at the base of the castle, close to what has become known as the Suicide Gates (this is the place where those who had fallen from grace where compelled to take their lives to restore their lost honor), and is thought to have been used for cleaning up after various Hara-Kiri ceremonies that likely took place right next to it. Although the Castle and its grounds are very beautiful the Well its self-holds a very dark secret. The Legend Of Okiku’s Well. Traditionally, this is where the hapless maid's body was … Photo by Chris Gladis. It is said that Tetsuzan went insane from the haunting. The Okiku well lies in the grounds of Himeji Castle in Japan the castle dates back to 1333 and stands in the city of Himeji. Okiku’s Well at Himeji Castle is often said to be haunted by the ghost of Okiku. Now, at this point, we should point out the well known fact (especially among paranormal researchers and aficionados) that it is quite common for hauntings, in particular those that are strictly attached to a specific location or item, to originate when a sequence of events takes place in close proximity to the location in question, and when the events have been of an extremely distasteful, painful and/or unjust nature. She is supposed to rise from the well at night and count to nine before shrieking and returning to the well (by… Because its grounds and infrastructure are so well preserved, it is often referred to as Japan’s most spectacular castle. Though the castle was originally planned to be built in said wooding. However, over time the story has changed somewhat and even the location of the Well itself has been questioned. Somewhere like… a well? Legend tells that ever since, the voice of Oikiku counting the plates over and over again could be heard coming from this well. Himeji Castle, in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. So the chief, who had managed to escape the dominions of Himoji, began to plot against Okiku. This knowledge, combined with the persistent haunting at the well, ended up driving him insane. She is supposed to rise from the well at night and count to nine before shrieking and returning to the well (by… Photo Credit: Gragma's Yokai Tourbus. Himeji Castle itself was built in the 17th century, but its full history spans nearly the entirety of the shogunate era. The castle was established in 1346 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598), who ruled over most of Japan and went on to build a full-scale castle wall, which became the base for present-day Himeji Castle.At the start of the Edo period (1603-1867), the castle underwent considerable renovation over a nine-year period, creating the magnificent appearance you see today. Okiku’s Well, Himeji Castle Oct. 22, 2020. Having learned of the would-be assassin’s plot to kill Norimoto, Okiku passed word to Motobonu. Himeji Castle Half Day Walking Tour (From US$75,85) Himeji Castle Walk in Kimono Selected by a Professional Kimono Fabrics Dealer (From US$53,68) Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From US$103,83) World Heritage of Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge walking tour from Osaka (From US$176,79) Monotobu and his companions eventually destroyed Tetsuzan and his conspirators, and Okiku was enshrined in Jānisho Shrine as Okiku Daimyājin. This well is preserve and being taken cared of inside the Himeji Castle in Japan. This was put in place as a defense measure. We do not have any more facts about this story, or about what may have occurred in its aftermath. ... 姫路城 Himeji Castle filmed with α7R II - 4K Super 35 Format | α | Sony - Duration: 4:31. It is said, that on dark nights at Himeji castle, people will hear Okiku counting the plates. As punishment for her alleged crimes, and contrary to the more commonplace practice of forcing her to commit ritual suicide by the Gates, she was actually murdered, via gruesome torture mutilation, and her lifeless remains were thrown into the well. Because of the confidence the lord had placed upon her to guard his most valued treasure, once it became clear that one of the plates had been stolen, the lord was convinced that Okiku stole it. Consequently, she was tried and found guilty, not only of the theft, but also of fabricating a plot against the person of the chief (the actual thief and mastermind). 00:43:55 ITUNES RSS LINK. Okiku’s Well at Himeji Castle is often said to be haunted by the ghost of Okiku. Ghosts. The term ‘Okiku’s Well’ refers to one of the most well known legends in Japanese lore, as well as the alleged location where it took place. Himeji Castle Half Day Walking Tour (From US$75.85) Himeji Castle Walk in Kimono Selected by a Professional Kimono Fabrics Dealer (From US$53.68) Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From US$103.83) World Heritage of Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge walking tour from Osaka (From US$176.79) It is even said that the horrendous punishments were inflicted on Okiku by none other than the chief himself. Nevertheless, Okiku still failed to accept his advances and so Danshirā slew her and threw her body down a well. Danshirō gathered Okiku’s body into his arms, and with a last, wistful look at her beauty, a lament to that which he would never own, he threw her into the castle’s well. SHARE EPISODE; COMMUNITY ; EMBED EDIT SHARE ABOUT THIS EPISODE The place that inspired Japanese horror film, "The Ring," and its American remake, the Himeji Castle is Japan's largest surviving castle. It is fair to say, then, that the case of Okiku’s Well does indeed fulfill all the characteristics of a potential haunted site, regardless of the lore attached to it. Let alone to witness. There are various versions of the legend of Okiku, one of which is portrayed in the well-known kabuki play. There are a lot of reasons to be interested in the feudal era of Japanese history. The telling makes an attempt (albeit a weak one) to fit in with recorded history. Unable to bear Okiku’s rejection, Danshirā hid one of the ten plates that were treasured posessions of the Aoyama family, and framed Okiku for the theft. Licensed under Creative Commons. Himeji Castle Half Day Walking Tour (From US$75.85) Himeji Castle Walk in Kimono Selected by a Professional Kimono Fabrics Dealer (From US$53.68) Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From US$103.83) World Heritage of Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge walking tour from Osaka (From US$176.79) She served the master of the Castle, a powerful and wealthy lord, whose most valued treasure Okiku was entrusted with guarding. Uncover Travel | Bucket list adventures across the globe with vacation itineraries, sightseeing tours, hotel and restaurant recommendations. Himeji Castle got its start actually much earlier in 1346 during the Northern and Southern Courts period when warlord Sadanori Akamatsu had a fortification built in an area of Himeji called Himeyama. The castle was built somewhere between 1333 and 1346 (originally named Himeyama Castle) as a home for the lord of Himeji. There are various versions of the legend of Okiku, one of which is portrayed in the well-known kabuki play. If you don’t have the JR pass you might choose a slightly slower local train at a substantial cost savings. Okiku’s Well at Himeji Castle is often said to be haunted by the ghost of Okiku. So, where's the one place you can experience all of this? The interesting part, however, is that it seems that this ghostly behavior started almost immediately after the events of her death took place. Image my own. Okiku Ido (Okiku Well), in the grounds of Himeji Castle, is said to be the well that features in the ghost story known as Banshō Sarayashiki. It centers around a castle, known as Himeji Castle, which stands above the city of Himeji on top of a hill and dates back to the 14th century, later having been widely amplified and expanded upon. The story of Okiku’s Well is a key story in Japanese culture, where it is now known as Banshu Sarayashiki and has been the subject of many variations in theater and literature. Many locals and visitors come in early spring to admire the cherry blossoms in the surrounding grounds and to picnic and spend the Norimoto escaped death by fleeing to the island of Ieshima, but Tetsuzan seized control of the castle. But at Himeji Castle, there are still those who say they have heard Okiku’s howls in the still quiet hours of the early morning. The plot was averted. Hear the story here: ADVERTISEMENTS. There are amazing legends and stories, cultural traditions that defined Japanese ideologies for centuries, and some pretty cool art. The place that inspired Japanese horror film, "The Ring," and its American remake, the Himeji Castle is Japan's largest surviving castle. Ultimately, it would appear that the lord eventually learned about what had actually happened, and understood that a great injustice had been committed upon an innocent and honest servant girl. However, the chief in question somehow learned about the fact that Okiku had revealed his plans to the lord, and therefore turned his murderous intentions towards her, instead. A long time ago (the story has sometimes been dated to somewhere around the 18th century, but this is disputable) there was a servant girl living in the Himeji Castle, named Okiku. Within the Himeji Castle complex, the Western Corridor building has a much more interesting story about Princess Sen. Next door to Himeji Castle, Koko-en is a very nice garden worth a stroll. Even though, over time, the story itself has suffered many changes, and there seems to be even some legitimate doubt as to the actual site of the well, it is a very well established ghost story and haunting that resonates to this day. 73 Views. She apparently rises from the well, but when she realizes that she is missing a 10th plate, she stops counting, shrieks, and descends back into the well. Leave them to rot in the sombre, damp underground. No need to register, buy now! Forever in a state of desperate unrest, unable to forgive or forget the terrible wrongdoings of her murderer, and the unrequited love she was forced to hold to herself, even in death. As one version goes, around the year 1500, Aoyama Tetsuzan, the regent to the lord of Himeji Castle, Kodera Norimoto, plotted with Chānotsubo Danshirā to kill Norimoto and take over the castle. Himeji Castle Half Day Walking Tour (From $75.85) Himeji Castle Walk in Kimono Selected by a Professional Kimono Fabrics Dealer (From $53.68) Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide (From $103.83) World Heritage of Himeji Castle and … Okiku’s Well, Himeji Castle. Previously: The Wind Telephone. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Himeji Castle is unlike many other Japanese castles – it was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form. Himeji Castle is said to be incredibly lucky. Secrets. After learning of Okiku’s actions, Danshirā forced her into marriage in exchange for sparing her life but Okiku turned Danshirā down. Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Site and is considered to be the best preserved surviving castle in Japan. Every night she would rise and scream the numbers, and every night she would wake up the lord from his sleep, inside the castle. And what she does when once risen is what truly makes this haunted location so compelling: her soul begins screaming, meticulously counting the the gilded plates, starting at ONE, and gradually getting louder and louder as she gets to TEN. Apparently, over time the servant girl development feelings for the lord of the castle; however, because of her position and difference of status with respect to him, she did not make there feelings known. This castle was built in the early 14th century and several hundred years later it was expanded. Type: PI (Prison for the Incorporeal). This is the story of O-KiKu-Ido or the Lengend of Okikus well. … September 28, 2020 It has been designated both an official National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tags: sadako, the ring, hosokawa katsumoto, himeji castle, okiku's well, tomonosuke, asayama tetsuzan, chief retainer, tortured to death Okiku overheard the plot and reported it to her lover, a loyal warrior. Haunted Okiku's Well at Himeji Castle Kahani Tv. Created with sketchtool. Loading... Unsubscribe from Kahani Tv? Himeji Castle (Himejijo, in Japanese) is a stark white castle building sitting on top of a forested hill in Hyogo Prefecture. It is undeniable how powerful of an archetype this is, how poignant, touching and at the same time bone-chilling this scene is, even to imagine. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the subject we have covered here today, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Naturally, she became fearful for the life of her beloved superior, so she decided to tell him about the plans she had just overheard. Okiku counted the … Norimoto’s loyal retainer, Kinshasa Motonobu, arranged for a young girl named Okiku to serve as a maid in Tetsuzan’s house in order to ascertain his plans. It is spotless, surviving a takeover … Due to Okiku's refusal to accept Tetsuzan, he tortured her to death in the well located in the grounds of Himeji Castle, which is portrayed in this photo. New DNA evidence solves medical and murder mysteries of the Royal family. On one occasion, Okiku accidentally overhead a conversation between a couple of the lord’s chiefs, where they appeared to be making plans and conspiring to take his life. It is said the samurai Lord Aoyama Tessan had a young servant girl called… A young, beautiful lady named Okiku was blamed for the loss of a plate - one from a set of ten, a valuable family treasure. Period/location of origin: Subject is located on the grounds of Himeji Castle, which stands in the Hyogo Prefecture city of Himeji in Japan’s Kansai region. She is supposed to rise from the well at night and count to nine before shrieking and returning to the well … These days it's possible to visit Okiku's Well, but only on a tour of Himeji Castle, generally considered the finest castle in Japan. The two offer a combination ticket at a good discount. The castle's focus is architecture and defense with some brief English descriptions. But let’s get back to the story…. Okiku’s well in the grounds of Himeji castle. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himeji-jō) is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan.The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. SAVE. The tale of Okiku’s Well then goes on to explain that, every night between the hours of two and three, the restless and deeply troubled soul of the servant girl rises from within the well, that had become her watery grave for crimes she did not commit. We travelled from Kyoto for the day which only took 45 minutes thanks to the technological wonders of the Japanese bullet trains and the cost savings of the JR Pass which had already more than paid for itself. Most visitors to Himeji castle will make their way from the major cities in the nearby Kansai area; Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe. One of the tourist attractions on Himeji Castle is Okiku's well. 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