Some travelers to Japan skip the modern skyscrapers of Tokyo and temples of Kyoto to experience Japan’s famous “ghostly” rail stations. These scary stations (some no longer with rail service, others crowded with passengers during the day) are known as ultra-scary at night. In fact, many of these stations can be visited thanks to Japan Rail Pass.

The deepest train station in the country, Doai Station (at Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture) is nestled in a remote area surrounded by mountains and dense forests, giving it a mysterious feel. Nearby Tanigawadake Mountain is is quite popular during the Japanese version of Halloween. The station’s haunting history adds to its ghostly allure, leading many to believe the spirits of lost hikers linger in the area, forever searching for their way home.

The station is eerily quiet, especially during off-peak hours. Passengers must descend a steep 230 feet from the entrance to reach the platforms, a walk that can feel very spooky if you’re alone. In 2021, Japan’s JR East Railway opened a glamping facility called Doai Village, inviting ghost-hunting tourists to spend a night in the station.

Built in the early 20^th century, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station stands as one of the world’s busiest train stations, steeped in urban legends and ghostly tales. One particularly haunting aspect of Shinjuku’s history involves Toyama Park, situated just a 20-minute stroll north of the station.  During World War II, this park was used as a burial site for Unit 731, a secretive military unit. Visitors to Toyama Park often report hearing anguished sobs from the eastern hill and witnessing mysterious ghostly lights known as “hitodama.”

With the backdrop of Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko Station (Yamanashi Prefecture) attracts tourists seeking natural beauty. However, its proximity to Aokigahara Forest casts a shadow over its charm. This dense forest, at the base of Mount Fuji, is often associated with ghostly encounters, making it a well-known hot spot for supernatural activity.

Kokudō Station, first opened in 1930, has become a destination for those intrigued by its eerie atmosphere, enticing urban explorers and ghost hunters alike. Largely unchanged over the decades, this Tokyo station features World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs telling tales of a bygone era. Once a bustling underpass corridor lined with lantern-lit izakayas, it now stands desolate and remains eerily quiet since the last of the bars closed in 2022.

Nara Station has plenty of history, with the region’s past marked by battles and tragedies that linger in the air over Nara city. Originally opened in 1914, the station has undergone significant changes over the years, often as a gateway to Nara’s rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Adding to the mystique are the sacred deer of Nara Park, located just a stone’s throw from the station, who are considered messengers of the gods. Local folklore suggests these deer were deemed sacred after one of the four gods of Kasuga Shrine was spotted on a nearby mountain riding a white deer.