[2026 Latest] Top 3 Ranking of Paranormal Rumors about Abandoned Buildings in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe Area

We selected three locations in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe area that have rumors circulating about abandoned buildings and old structures, and compared them with external rumor pages and local government documents. The ranking is not based on the truthfulness of the supernatural occurrences or the perceived danger of the locations, but rather on the overall quality of the materials, including transparency of sources, historical context, safety information, recency of information, and transparency of the rumor's origins. This article does not encourage unauthorized entry or nighttime exploration.

Survey methods and evaluation criteria

For each location, we broke down the rumors into specific, short claims and checked whether the same subject and facts were recorded in publicly available documents from the local government or facility management. The judgment was categorized into four levels: "match," "partial match," "mismatch," and "undecidable." The existence of a rumor page was not used as proof of the phenomenon, and if public documents only indicated the existence or history of a building, this was not used to support the claim of a supernatural occurrence. The verification date was standardized to September 12, 2026, for all documents.

1st Place: Maya Kanko Hotel | Undecided (83 points)

The rumored details

The "Maya Kanko Hotel" page on the National Haunted Map lists this building as a haunted ruin and mentions that "a female ghost appears there." It also states that "the bathrooms and toilets are spiritually dangerous" and mentions various sightings. However, these are all rumors listed on the same page and cannot be treated as confirmed phenomena.

Source of the rumor and date of verification

I confirmed the rumors on the location-specific pages of the nationwide paranormal map. These pages are secondary publications, including user submissions and votes, and do not provide original records, dates, observation conditions, or source materials for each sighting. Therefore, the content itself will be the subject of verification.

• National Haunted Places Map: Maya Kanko Hotel(Verification Date: 2026-09-12) — Maya Kanko Hotel is listed as a haunted abandoned building, and rumors about a female ghost and the bathrooms and toilets are presented.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

The Kobe City press release explains that the former Maya Kanko Hotel was built in the early Showa period and is now a ruined building, and that it was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2021. It also states that the interior is not normally accessible to the public and will be open to the public only through special tours accompanied by those involved in preservation activities. There is no mention of female ghosts or strange occurrences related to the plumbing.

• Kobe City: Former Maya Kanko Hotel Filming Location Tour(Date confirmed: 2026-09-12) — This document provides information on the history of the former Maya Kanko Hotel from the early Showa period, its registration as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and the conditions for visiting the normally closed interior on a special tour.

Points of agreement/contradictions

The rumor page and the Kobe City documents deal with the same subject: the Maya Kanko Hotel is a ruin remaining in Kobe. On the other hand, the official documents confirm the building's construction date, cultural property registration, preservation activities, and limited public access. No records were found that directly support or refute the two claims: "a female ghost appears" and "the bathrooms and toilets are spiritually dangerous."

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
A female ghost appears	Unconfirmed	Kobe City documents describe the building's history, cultural property registration, and limited public access, but they do not include any observation records regarding the female ghost.	No official data available for direct comparison.
Bathrooms and toilets are spiritually dangerous.	Unconfirmed	The official documents we checked did not contain any records of strange occurrences inside the building or any dangers specifically related to plumbing, so a direct comparison is not possible.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

The fact that it is an old building that is usually closed to the public, and that the videos and personal accounts depicting the deteriorated space, may be reinforcing the unsettling impression of the place. However, it is not possible to determine the cause of individual eyewitness accounts from publicly available documents, and it is necessary to distinguish between psychological impressions and reported phenomena.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

On September 12, 2026, we checked the page containing the rumor and the press release from Kobe City. We were unable to verify the original text of individual eyewitness accounts, the date and time of the incident, the original photographs, interviews with observers, or environmental records inside the building. We have not determined the rumor to be inconsistent simply because there is no mention of the strange occurrence in official documents.

Verification result: Indeterminate

Both core claims could be found on the rumor-posting page, but the Kobe City documents deal with the building's history and conditions for public access, and do not include records that allow for a comparison of the phenomena. Since there is neither supporting evidence nor clear counter-evidence, a comprehensive judgment cannot be made at this time.

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	28/30	We were able to separate the rumor page from the Kobe City documents and clearly indicate the URL for each location and the date of verification.
Historical and spatial context	23/25	I was able to confirm the architecture from the early Showa period, the existing ruins, the cultural property registration, and the preservation activities through local government documents.
Safety information	18/20	We were able to confirm from Kobe City documents that this is normally a closed-door event and was a special opening with the attendance of relevant personnel.
Newness of information	8/15	The Kobe City document is dated December 2025, and was re-verified on September 12, 2026, along with the rumor page.
Transparency of the source of rumors	6/10	While the specific text of the rumor has been confirmed, its first appearance, observation date, source, and the verifiability of the poster remain unknown.
total	83/100	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

According to Kobe City records, the former Maya Kanko Hotel is normally closed to the public. Except for special openings set up by the local government or management, please do not enter the grounds or buildings. Even when checking from the outside, please prioritize traffic restrictions and on-site guidance.

Map location: The coordinates indicate the building's location in Nada Ward, Kobe City, which can be identified as the former Maya Kanko Hotel site on publicly available maps.

Check the area around Maya Kanko Hotel on Google Maps.

2nd Place: Tada Silver and Copper Mine (Around the Yūkyū-no-Yakata and Aoki-Mabu) | Undecided (82 points)

The rumored details

Regarding the Tada Silver and Copper Mine (around the Yūkyū no Yakata and Aoki Mine), the National Ghost Map lists it as a place where "a male ghost appears." Furthermore, regarding the Jūroku Ningen Boku mine, it mentions the theory that "the name comes from the fact that sixteen people died in a cave-in," and also mentions stories of numerous hands reaching out from the mine shaft, seemingly beckoning visitors. These are distinguished as listed legends and rumors.

Source of the rumor and date of verification

I confirmed the rumor on the "Tada Silver Mine" page of the National Haunted Map. The page is a platform for submitting and aggregating paranormal information, and it states the Sixteen People's Walking incident as "according to one theory." Since the original source, the date of the incident, and records of those involved are not listed, it will be treated as a secondary publication with an unknown origin.

• Nationwide Haunted Map: Tada Silver Mine(Verification Date: 2026-09-12) — This article includes information about a male spirit, the theory behind the name "Sixteen People's Steps," and rumors of a beckoning hand being seen from the mine shaft.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

According to Inagawa Town, the Tada Silver and Copper Mine site was designated a National Historic Site on October 7, 2015. At the Tada Silver and Copper Mine (around the Yūkyū-no-Yakata and Aoki-mabu), the Yūkyū-no-Yakata introduces the history of the silver mine area, maps, ancient documents, ore, and mining tools. The Aoki-mabu is the only mine shaft within the site that can be visited, and information is provided on visiting hours, closing days, closures during inspections, and the use of safety helmets. The origin of the name "Jūroku-Ningen-bo" (Sixteen Human Steps) and any strange occurrences associated with it are not explained.

• Inagawa Town: Tada Silver and Copper Mine, Yukyu no Yakata (Yukyu Hall), Yukyu Hiroba (Yukyu Square), Aoki Mine Shaft(Verification Date: 2026-09-12) — This page includes information on the National Historic Site designation, the contents of the exhibits at the Yukyu-no-Yakata (Hall of Eternity), the hours of the Aoki-mabu (Aoki Mine), the only part of the ruins that can be visited, closing days, and safety information.

Points of agreement/contradictions

The rumor page and the Inagawa town documents agree on the spatial context: that there are multiple mine shafts at the Tada Silver and Copper Mine, and that the Aoki mine shaft is open to visitors. However, the town documents do not confirm the claim that "a male ghost appears" or the theory that the name "Sixteen-Man Mine" originates from the deaths of sixteen people due to a cave-in. Official historical explanations cannot be used as evidence to support supernatural occurrences.

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
A male ghost appears	Unconfirmed	The facility guide for Inagawa Town includes explanations of the ruins and mine shafts, but there are no records of a male spirit, so a direct comparison is not possible.	No official data available for direct comparison.
The name originates from the fact that sixteen people died in a cave-in.	Unconfirmed	The town's documents I checked explain the Aoki-mabu mine and the exhibits at the ruins, but they do not mention the origin of the name "Juroku-nin-bo" (Sixteen-Petal Mine) or the events that took place there.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

It is impossible to determine the cause based solely on anecdotal accounts without considering factors such as the darkness, narrowness, acoustics, and humidity of the mine shafts. Furthermore, while it's possible that the long history of the mine and the name "Sixteen" became intertwined, leading to the later formation of the legend, no documents illustrating this process have been found at this stage.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

On September 12, 2026, I checked the rumor pages for each location and the facility guide for Inagawa Town. I was unable to confirm the naming documents for Juroku Ningenpo, the primary records of the mining accident, the original posts of personal accounts, or the measurement records inside the mine shafts. I did not consider matters not covered on the official page to be nonexistent, but rather categorized them as a lack of comparable evidence.

Verification result: Indeterminate

We were unable to find any official records that directly corroborate the rumors regarding the male spirit at the center of the rumor and the origin of the name "Sixteen-Man Pit." While the Inagawa Town documents specifically describe the ruins, exhibition facilities, and the Aoki Pit that is open to visitors, they neither support nor refute the rumors, making a combined judgment impossible.

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	28/30	We have separated the location-specific rumor pages from the facility guide for Inagawa Town, and indicated the confirmation date and relevant content.
Historical and spatial context	24/25	I was able to confirm the designation as a national historical site, the exhibits in the silver mine area, the remains, and even the mining methods used at the Aoki mine shaft through local government documents.
Safety information	19/20	The tours are clearly defined, including the limited number of tunnels open for viewing, the hours, closing days, inspection closures, helmet rentals, and restricted areas.
Newness of information	6/15	The town's page was updated in November 2024, and along with the rumors page, it was re-retrieved on September 12, 2026.
Transparency of the source of rumors	5/10	While specific theories are presented, the original sources of publication, naming documents, accident records, and personal accounts are not indicated.
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

The only mine shaft open to visitors is the Aoki mine shaft, which is guided by Inagawa Town. Please check the opening hours, closing days, and closures due to inspections, and use the provided helmets. Do not enter private property, locked areas, or restricted areas, and do not drive onto the narrow surrounding roads.

Map location: The coordinates are those of the Tada Silver and Copper Mine Museum, as indicated on the Inagawa Town official website. The Aoki mine shaft is approximately 550 meters northwest of the museum.

Check the area around Tada Silver and Copper Mine (Yūkyū no Yakata and Aoki Mine) on Google Maps.

3rd Place: Old Higashiyama Tunnel (Hanayama Tunnel) | Undecided (78 points)

The rumored details

The "Old Higashiyama Tunnel (Hanayama Tunnel)" page on the National Haunted Map lists "a female ghost appears" there. The text also mentions stories linking it to the local history, such as "many ghosts dressed as samurai," as well as rumors about a headless rider and a young man staring at a broken-down motorcycle. These are rumors, not confirmed historical facts, but rather stories that were included in the publication.

Source of the rumor and date of verification

I confirmed the rumor on the location-specific page of the nationwide paranormal map. The page compiles multiple legends and submitted information, but the original source, sighting date, recorder, and original source for each are not identified. Therefore, I classify it as a secondary publication with an unknown origin, distinguishing between the existence of the rumor and the factual accuracy of the event.

• Nationwide Haunted Map: Old Higashiyama Tunnel (Hanayama Tunnel)(Verification Date: 2026-09-12) — This page contains rumors about female and samurai-like ghosts, a headless rider, and a young man staring at a broken motorcycle.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

The Yamashina Ward Office's guide, "Walking Around Yamashina and the Hanayama Area," explains that the Hanayama Tunnel, which opened in 1903, runs parallel to the north side of the Higashiyama Tunnel on National Route 1. While the area, location, and opening date of the structures corresponding to the old Higashiyama Tunnel (Hanayama Tunnel) can be confirmed, there is no mention of female or samurai-like ghosts, headless riders, or motorcycle accidents.

• Kyoto City Yamashina Ward Office: Walking around Yamashina and the Hanayama area(Verification Date: 2026-09-12) — This section introduces the Hanayama Tunnel, which runs parallel to the north side of the Higashiyama Tunnel on National Route 1, and which opened in 1903 (Meiji 36).

Points of agreement/contradictions

The rumor page and Kyoto City documents are consistent in their identification of the subject as the Hanayama Tunnel, which opened in 1903. However, the municipal documents only corroborate the building's date and location. No official records can be found that allow for a comparison of the core claims of the supernatural phenomena, such as "a female ghost appears" and "there are many ghosts in warrior attire," and therefore, a partial agreement cannot be concluded based solely on general history.

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
A female ghost appears	Unconfirmed	Kyoto City documents describe the location and opening year of the tunnel, but do not include any records concerning the female ghost.	No official data available for direct comparison.
Many ghosts are dressed as samurai warriors.	Unconfirmed	None of the municipal documents I checked contained any records of sightings of someone dressed as a warrior, nor any information that directly compares to the origin of the rumor.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

The combination of the old, narrow tunnel, the surrounding historical place names and legends, and the nighttime visibility conditions may have led to the development of multiple stories. However, since the origin and transmission routes of each rumor are unknown, it is not possible to determine from the available materials which element was told first.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

On September 12, 2026, I checked the rumor posting page and the local information from the Yamashina Ward Office in Kyoto City. I was unable to verify the original postings of individual eyewitness accounts, accident records, the first appearance of the legend, nighttime environmental measurements, or individual documents regarding current traffic management. I am not using the lack of mention of the strange occurrences in official documents as counter-evidence.

Verification result: Indeterminate

While the identification of the building and its opening in 1903 can be confirmed in Kyoto City records, there are no comparable records regarding the female or warrior-like spirits that are the subject of the investigation. Since there are no independent documents supporting the rumor, nor any documents that clearly refute the same claim, a comprehensive judgment cannot be made.

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	27/30	We have separated the rumor pages by location from the local information provided by the Yamashina Ward Office in Kyoto City, and indicated the URLs and verification dates.
Historical and spatial context	20/25	From local government documents, we were able to confirm the opening date of the Hanayama Tunnel and its positional relationship to the new Higashiyama Tunnel.
Safety information	15/20	While we can outline the basic policy to avoid unauthorized entry, we have not yet confirmed any official documents explaining the current individual traffic restrictions.
Newness of information	10/15	Although the local government page itself contains outdated regional information, both URLs, including the rumor page, were re-obtained on September 12, 2026.
Transparency of the source of rumors	6/10	While specific details of multiple rumors can be found, their initial appearance, sighting dates, and correspondence with accident records are not indicated.
total	78/100	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

Current accessibility and restrictions cannot be determined from the municipal documents provided. Please follow local fences, road closures, and administrator instructions, and do not enter closed areas or private property. Avoid exploring at night or loitering on roads, and use maps only for location confirmation.

Map location: The coordinates were verified by comparing the location information on the rumor posting page with a reverse lookup to Asahiyama-cho, Kamihanayama, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City on a publicly available map.

Check the area around the old Higashiyama Tunnel (Hanayama Tunnel) on Google Maps.

What I learned by crossing locations

At all three locations, the rumor pages described the strange occurrences in detail, while the local government documents dealt with the building dates, their status as cultural properties and historical sites, conditions for public access, and visiting information. At the Maya Kanko Hotel, we can confirm the existence of a cultural property building that is usually closed to the public; at the Tada Silver and Copper Mine, a managed visitor tunnel; and at the Old Higashiyama Tunnel, a building from the Meiji period. However, this context alone cannot support the sightings of women, men, and warrior figures. The common problem is the lack of information on the origin of the rumors, the date and time, original records, and observation conditions.

summary

For these three locations, we were able to confirm the existence, history, and management status of the buildings and ruins through local government documents. However, there is no independent source to directly compare the core claims of the supernatural occurrences described at each location, making it impossible to make a judgment on any of them. This does not mean that the rumors are false, but rather that, based on the publicly available materials at this time, we cannot proceed in either supporting or refuting them. When viewing or visiting these locations, please prioritize those that are normally closed to the public, those that are permitted to be viewed, and those with traffic restrictions, and avoid unauthorized entry.

FAQ

Does "undeterminable" mean the rumor is false?

No. "Undetermined" means there is a lack of independent evidence that can be directly compared to the core claims of the rumor. We do not judge something as inconsistent or false simply because it is not mentioned in official documents.

Does the score in this ranking represent how scary it is?

This does not represent the actual level of authenticity. The score is a measure of the quality of the material, summing factors such as source transparency, historical and spatial context, safety information, recency of the information, and source transparency of rumors. It is separate from the veracity of the supernatural occurrences or the level of danger at the location.

Is it okay to actually visit the listed locations?

Unauthorized entry is prohibited. Do not enter facilities that are normally closed to the public, private property, locked areas, or restricted areas. Please follow the public access methods, visiting hours, and traffic restrictions clearly stated by the local government or administrator.

If the data is updated, will the assessment change?

This is subject to change. If the initial appearance of the rumor, contemporary records, accident documents, or original records that reveal observation conditions become public, we will re-examine each claim and update the judgment and the quality of the materials.