The rumors surrounding parks in Shiga Prefecture cannot be proven solely by the text on the published pages. This article will break down the specific claims in the rumors about Rokuha Park, Biwako Cultural Park, and Yabashi Kihojima Park, and record what can be confirmed and what cannot be verified using publicly available documents from the local government, prefecture, and administrators.
Survey methods and evaluation criteria
The investigation was conducted on October 2, 2026. At each location, independent sources of external rumors and documents from local governments, prefectures, and facility managers were directly verified, and specific claims were broken down into claims. The judgment was categorized into five groups: agreement, partial agreement, disagreement, immeasurable, and new fact, and the existence of the location or facility alone was not used as evidence of the supernatural occurrence. If there were no records that could be directly compared, it was classified as immeasurable, and only when there was a meaningful discovery in the documents that was not mentioned in the rumors was it classified as a new fact. The existence of a source does not prove the supernatural occurrence, and the absence of information in official documents does not necessarily mean that it does not exist. The ranking was based on five data quality axes, and the degree of fear or truthfulness of the supernatural occurrence was not scored. The maps are representative coordinates for verification purposes and do not show sighting locations or access permits.
| Rank | point | The main points of the rumor | judgement | Document quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yabashi Kihojima Park | An external rumor-sharing page described seeing "human figures" at Yabashi Kihojima Park, mentioning a black shadow crawling out of the forest, and stating that the park had been hit by fire multiple times… | New facts | 88/100 |
| 2 | Biwako Cultural Park | An external rumor-sharing page mentions rumors that the toilets at Biwako Cultural Park are in a dimly lit area, that "many suicides have occurred there," and that ghosts and paranormal phenomena occur late at night... | unmeasurable | 85/100 |
| 3 | Rokuha Park | External rumors-sharing pages describe Rokuha Park as a haunted spot in a park/castle ruin in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and mention that "a female ghost appears" there. The FAQ also contains the same explanation… | unmeasurable | 82/100 |
1st Place: Yabashi Kihojima Park | New Facts (88 points)
The rumored details
An external rumor-sharing page mentions that "a human figure can be seen" at Yabashi Kihojima Park, describing a black shadow crawling out of the forest and stating that the park has been hit by fire multiple times. The text itself lacks information on the date and time of the incidents, fire records, and eyewitness accounts, so it should be treated here as hearsay from the poster.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
The source of the rumors I confirmed is the Yabashi Kihojima Park page on the National Haunted Map, where three claims are listed in the "Haunted Rumors" section. Since the original source, poster, and date/location of the fire could not be identified from that page, I recorded it as a secondary publication/original source unknown.
- Nationwide Haunted Map: "Yabashi Kihojima Park"(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — "I can see a human figure." A dark shadow crawled out from the forest. The park has been hit by fire many times.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
Yabashi Kihojima Park is a park developed on an artificial island created by reclaiming land from Lake Biwa. The administrator's page provides information on free facilities such as a children's playground and a large open field, as well as paid facilities such as a campsite, ground golf course, and swimming pool. You can also find contact information for the park management building, information on the approximately 500 free parking spaces, and that the nearest bus stop is about a 10-minute walk away.
- Official website of the Yabashi Kihojima Park Administrator(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — This park is located on an artificial island created by reclaiming land from Lake Biwa. It has free facilities such as a children's playground and a large open field, as well as paid facilities such as a campsite, ground golf course, and swimming pool. There is free parking available for approximately 500 cars.
Points of agreement/contradictions
Regarding the rumors about the human figure, the black shadow, and the multiple fires, no records confirming the same phenomena or the number of fires could be found on the administrator page. Each claim is immeasurable, and only the origin of the artificial island facility is treated as separate information from other sources. The consistency of the facility guide is not used as evidence of the supernatural occurrences.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| A human figure can be seen. | Unconfirmed | The administrator page displays facility information, but it does not record sightings of figures or paranormal phenomena, making it impossible to compare its authenticity with other independent sources. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| A dark shadow crawled out from the forest. | Unconfirmed | The hearsay about the black shadow lacks corroborating information regarding the date, time, location, and observation conditions, and cannot be compared to the veracity of the sighting using administrator records, therefore it is considered unconfirmed. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| The park has been hit by fire multiple times. | Unconfirmed | We were unable to find any independent documents indicating the number of fires or the dates of their occurrence, and therefore, we could not determine the presence or absence of a fire history based solely on the facility guide, so we have left it unconfirmed. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
The dark shadows may be due to typical factors such as light from the forest, visibility, and animals, but the cause cannot be determined from the available information alone. Since the number and dates of the fires are unknown, do not confuse hearsay with official records.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The scope of verification was limited to the designated rumor page, the Yabashi Kihojima Park administrator page, and representative points on the public map. Since fire records, nighttime conditions, original eyewitness accounts, and the initial appearance of the rumor were not checked, it is not possible to definitively determine whether the phenomenon occurred or not.
Verification results: New facts
The findings represent new facts. While the human figures, black shadows, and multiple fires cannot be compared or measured using official documents, we have confirmed the history of the artificial island's construction, which is not mentioned in rumors, through administrator documents. This is not proof of a supernatural phenomenon, but rather new information regarding the origins of the setting.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 28/30 | You can directly check the administrator's official page and the rumor page at separate URLs and track the role of the source. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 21/25 | The construction of the artificial island, the facilities on the island, and the intended use of the plaza are clearly explained in the administrator's documents. |
| Safety information | 17/20 | The official guide includes information on parking, transportation, and contact details for the administration building, providing ample information to help you make a decision. |
| Newness of information | 14/15 | The current page on the administrator site was retrieved again on the day of the investigation, and the year 2026 was also confirmed. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 8/10 | The three claims in the rumor are included in the text, but the poster, the original publication date, and the date are not indicated. |
| total | 88/100 | This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena. |
Safety information and maps
Check the administrator's website for information on free parking, transportation, and contact details for the management building. Reconfirm the rules of use and opening/closing status on the official website before visiting. Avoid exploring at night, entering restricted areas, causing disturbance to the surrounding area, and do not engage in dangerous activities for the purpose of verifying rumors.
Map location: This is a representative point of Yabashi Kihojima Park as confirmed on a publicly available map, and does not indicate the exact location where the rumor originated.
2nd Place: Biwako Cultural Park | Unmeasurable (85 points)
The rumored details
An external rumor-sharing page mentions rumors that the toilets at Biwako Cultural Park are in a dimly lit area, that "many suicides have occurred there," and that ghosts appear and paranormal phenomena occur late at night. However, the FAQ states that there have been no ghost sightings or paranormal phenomena at this time, showing a discrepancy between the two explanations from the same source.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
The source of the rumors I checked was the Biwako Cultural Park page on the National Haunted Map, where I directly read the rumors section and FAQ. Since I couldn't confirm the number of suicides, the location and lighting of the toilets, any late-night witnesses, or the original source, I recorded it as an example/original source unknown.
- Nationwide Haunted Map: Biwako Cultural Park(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — The toilets at Biwako Cultural Park are in a dimly lit area and have been the site of many suicides. There are rumors that ghosts appear and paranormal phenomena occur there late at night. The FAQ states that there have been no reports of ghost sightings or paranormal phenomena so far.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
The official Shiga Prefecture website lists Biwako Cultural Park as a comprehensive park, with an area of 43.2 hectares and its location in Setaminami-Otsuka-cho, Otsu City. The approximately 43 hectares of green space include the Shiga Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, the Shiga Prefectural Library, the Buried Cultural Properties Center, and the tea house "Yūshōan," and also provides information on several plazas and gardens. This page does not contain any information regarding the number of suicides or any confirmed paranormal phenomena.
- Shiga Prefecture's official "Biwako Cultural Park"(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — Type: General park. Area: 43.2 ha. Location: Setaminami-Otsuka-cho, Otsu City. Biwako Cultural Park is an urban park blessed with abundant nature, covering approximately 43 hectares, and is home to the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Kanagawa Prefectural Library, Archaeological Center, and the tea house "Yushoan".
Points of agreement/contradictions
The claims of the source of the rumors were divided into three categories: dimly lit toilets, a high number of suicides, and ghosts/paranormal phenomena at night. While the prefectural official documents can confirm the area, location, cultural facilities, and plazas, they do not deal with illumination levels, suicide rates, or nighttime phenomena, making it impossible to measure the core issue. The negative statements in the FAQ also come from the same source and do not constitute counter-evidence to the independent official documents.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| The toilet is in a dimly lit area. | Unconfirmed | The prefectural government's official website describes the size of the park and its cultural facilities, but it does not provide any records that would allow us to verify the lighting level or placement of the toilets, making it impossible to compare the accuracy of the impressions. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| There are many suicides. | Unconfirmed | The number of suicides, the period, and statistical data were not provided by the source of the rumor, and the same number is not listed in the prefectural records, so it was left unconfirmed. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| Ghosts appear and paranormal phenomena occur late at night. | Unconfirmed | There are no records of dates, times, witnesses, or observations regarding ghosts or paranormal phenomena at night, making it impossible to directly compare whether or not they occurred based on the prefecture's official information. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
The dark impression can change depending on the time of day, lighting, and the arrangement of trees, but no on-site measurements were taken. The number of suicides and late-night phenomena lack dates, records, and observation methods, and impressions and hearsay are not treated as official facts.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The subjects of the investigation were designated rumor pages, Shiga Prefecture's park introduction pages, and representative points on publicly available maps. Individual toilet locations and illumination levels, incident statistics, fire and police records, nighttime observations, and the origin of the rumors were not confirmed, so it cannot be definitively concluded that they do not exist.
Verification result: Unmeasurable
The determination is immeasurable. While the prefectural government's official website confirms the size and facilities of Biwako Cultural Park, there are no records that allow for comparison of core factors such as dimness, suicide rates, and nighttime ghost sightings. Relying solely on the FAQ from the same source does not constitute independent verification, leaving some aspects unconfirmed.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 27/30 | You can directly check the prefecture's official page and the rumors page separately, and track the difference in their roles. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 22/25 | The size of the site (43.2 hectares), its location, and the composition of its cultural facilities and gardens can be found in prefectural documents. |
| Safety information | 16/20 | Understanding the park's size and facilities provides fundamental information for considering its intended use. |
| Newness of information | 13/15 | I obtained the current park information page for Shiga Prefecture on the day of the survey and reconfirmed its contents. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 7/10 | While the main text of the rumor and the FAQ can be found, the number of suicides and the conditions for measuring the illumination remain unknown. |
| total | 85/100 | This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena. |
Safety information and maps
Check the location and facilities within the park as indicated on the prefectural government's official website, and follow the latest information posted on-site and by the administrator regarding operating hours and areas of access. Avoid exploring at night, entering dark areas alone, unauthorized entry, and making noise, and do not engage in dangerous activities based on rumors.
Map location: This is a representative point of Biwako Cultural Park confirmed on a publicly available map, and does not indicate the rumored toilet or sighting location.
3rd place: Rokuha Park | Unmeasurable (82 points)
The rumored details
External rumors-sharing pages describe Rokuha Park as a haunted spot in a park and castle ruins in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and mention that "a female ghost appears" there. The FAQ also contains the same explanation, but there is no list of personal experiences, and the map section of the source of the rumors indicates that it is a 27-minute walk from Minami-Kusatsu Station.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
The source of the rumor I checked was the Rokuha Park page on the National Haunted Map, where I directly examined the paranormal phenomena section, map section, and FAQ. Since there is no primary source to independently corroborate the first appearance of the female ghost, the witnesses, and the walking time, it was treated as a secondary publication/first appearance unknown.
- Nationwide Haunted Map "Rokuha Park"(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — Paranormal activity has been reported at Rokuha Park, with a female ghost appearing there. The map indicates it's a 27-minute walk from Minami-Kusatsu Station, and there are no personal accounts of people experiencing it yet.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
The official park information for Kusatsu City lists the location of Rokuha Park as 7-11-2 Oiwake, Kusatsu City, and provides directions for taking a bus from JR Kusatsu Station and getting off at "Rokuhaso," followed by a 5-minute walk. It also states that there are multiple parking lots with a capacity of approximately 450 cars, and that the Kusatsu City Park Office is the contact point. The official Rokuha Park website does not mention female ghosts or paranormal phenomena.
- Kusatsu City Official "Rokuha Park"(Confirmed on 2026-10-02) — 7-11-2 Oiwake, Kusatsu City. From the east exit of JR Kusatsu Station, take the Teisan Bus bound for Rokuhasou and get off at the "Rokuhasou" bus stop, then it's a 5-minute walk. There are three parking lots: Parking Lot 1, Parking Lot 2, Sports Field Parking Lot, and South Gate Parking Lot, with a total capacity of approximately 450 cars.
Points of agreement/contradictions
The core claim of a female ghost appearing at the park was deemed unmeasurable as it could not be compared with the location, access, and parking information provided by Kusatsu City. The source of the rumor, stating that it is a 27-minute walk from Minami-Kusatsu Station, also differs from the official website's alternative route from JR Kusatsu Station, so the distance cannot be definitively determined as consistent or contradictory. The existence of the park and the supernatural occurrences were separated.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| A female ghost haunts the area. | Unconfirmed | The official Kusatsu City website provides information on location, access, and parking, but it does not show any records confirming the appearance of a female ghost, making it impossible to compare with other independent sources. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| 27-minute walk from Minami-Kusatsu Station | Unconfirmed | The walking time mentioned in the rumor is unconfirmed because the starting point and route conditions are unknown, and it cannot be compared under the same conditions as the bus information from JR Kusatsu Station on the official website. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
While nighttime lighting, trees, and misidentification of pedestrians or animals remain possibilities, there are no observational records in the documents. Since travel time varies depending on the departure station, route, and measurement conditions, differences in information alone do not negate the entire rumor.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The scope of verification was limited to the rumor page of the National Haunted Map, the official Kusatsu City website, and representative points on publicly available maps. Since eyewitness accounts, actual measurements from the station, nighttime illumination, official records of accidents and incidents, and the origin of the rumors were not checked, it is not possible to conclude whether or not they exist.
Verification result: Unmeasurable
The determination is immeasurable. While the location and facility information of Rokuha Park could be confirmed in official documents, there are no records to support or refute the appearance of a female ghost, and the walking time of the source of the rumor does not meet the required conditions. The confirmed facility information and the unconfirmed paranormal activity were not mixed together, leaving a claim that cannot be compared.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 26/30 | I checked the official Kusatsu City guide and the rumors page at separate URLs, separating the roles of claims and supporting documents. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 20/25 | The location, access, multiple parking lots, and management office can be found in the official documents. |
| Safety information | 17/20 | With approximately 450 parking spaces and official access information, basic information before visiting is clearly provided. |
| Newness of information | 13/15 | I accessed the official Kusatsu City website on the day of the survey and checked the update date and current information. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 6/10 | While the description of the female ghost can be traced, the basis for its first appearance, sighting conditions, and walking time is not provided. |
| total | 82/100 | This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena. |
Safety information and maps
Use the access and parking information on the official Kusatsu City website as a guide, and check the latest information from the designated management company and on-site notices. Avoid exploring at night, making loud noises, and entering restricted areas, and prioritize the passage of other users and park rules. Do not act alone or engage in dangerous activities for the purpose of investigating paranormal activity.
Map location: This is a representative point of Rokuha Park as confirmed on the official Kusatsu City map, and does not indicate the exact location where the strange occurrences were witnessed.
What I learned by crossing locations
What the three locations have in common is that while the source of the rumors uses strong language such as paranormal phenomena, fires, and suicide rates, the official documents focus on the park's location, facilities, area, access, and construction and management information. Rokuha Park has station and parking information, Biwako Cultural Park is a 43.2-hectare comprehensive park and cultural facilities, and Yabashi Kihojima Park is an artificial island created by reclaiming Lake Biwa and has management facilities. These are matches in the existence of the locations and the information provided for their use, not in the sense of matching paranormal phenomena.
summary
While the location, management, and usage information for all three locations could be confirmed as parks, no official records were found to definitively confirm the existence of a female ghost, late-night paranormal phenomena, human figures, or multiple fires. At Yabashi Kihojima Park, the history of the artificial island's construction, which was not mentioned in the rumors, was confirmed, making it a new fact, but this does not prove the existence of any paranormal activity. The classification does not affirm or deny the existence of paranormal activity, but rather indicates what could be confirmed with the materials collected this time. The remaining questions are the origin of the rumors, the specific date and time, and whether or not there are any objective observation records.
FAQ
What does "unmeasurable" mean in this case?
"Unmeasurable" means that, based solely on the available data, neither support nor clear counter-evidence was established. It doesn't mean the rumor is true or false; it's simply a classification to avoid equating insufficient records with a definitive statement.
If the park is listed on the official website, does that mean the rumors are true?
No. Even if the location and facilities can be confirmed on the official page, it does not corroborate the ghosts, shadows, fires, or nighttime phenomena described by the source. We treat the existence of the subject and the claims of paranormal activity as separate claims.
Are these new facts evidence of a supernatural phenomenon?
No. The fact that it was an artificial island was merely presented as information from the documents that was not mentioned in the rumors. New facts are discoveries that complement our understanding of the setting, and do not mean that the supernatural occurrences have been proven or that the rumors have been confirmed.
What precautions should I take when visiting the area?
Prioritize the latest information from administrators and local authorities, local usage rules, weather, and time of day. It is important to avoid exploring alone at night, entering restricted areas, making noise or causing disturbances, and not taking dangerous actions under the pretext of verifying rumors.
How to read this article and safety precautions
" [2026 Latest] Top 3 Paranormal Rumors Ranking Based on Rumors and Management Records of 3 Parks in Shiga Prefecture This is an article compiled by the Horror Tales File editorial team as a story, based on publicly available information, rumors circulating in the community, and information submitted by readers. It does not definitively state the authenticity of paranormal phenomena.
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