Atlas Obscura - Latest • Feb. 5, 2026, 9:15 p.m.
Religion and tradition are deeply connected in Japanese culture, especially with Shintoism where hundreds of not thousands of gods rule over various things. In this case, a spirit looking over Himeji castle is worshiped in the castle itself.
The shrine, which is located at the top floor of the castle is dedicated to Osakabehime, a spirit or yokai who is said to be a lonely kitsune, or an illegitimate child of the princess, or an angry courtesan who met her end at the hands of the lord. While this is not known, it is generally agreed that the spirit hates people and stays away from them as much as it can.
Only once a year does it meet the local lord to tell him if the castle will stand for another year. This event is celebrated with a festival.