From the paranormal rumors surrounding the forests and mountain passes of Shikoku, we selected three locations where we could directly verify information through separate rumor pages and publicly available documents from local governments and archives. Rather than judging the veracity of the supernatural occurrences based on atmosphere, we separated each rumor into specific claims such as altitude, nature park designation, road construction, and facility development, clearly indicating what was confirmed by official records and what was not.
Survey methods and evaluation criteria
The assessment is made on a claim-by-claim basis. Agreement means all claims are supported by official documents; partial agreement means a mix of supported and unconfirmed claims; disagreement means there is at least one direct counter-evidence; unmeasurable means there is no comparable document to confirm or refute; and new facts mean significant corrections or origins not found in the rumor are confirmed from independent sources. Matching locations or addresses alone are not considered evidence of a paranormal phenomenon, nor is the publication of the rumor itself considered proof of the phenomenon. Ranking is based on a total of 100 points, evaluating the transparency of the documents, historical background, safety information, freshness of the information, and transparency of the rumor's source.
| Rank | point | The main points of the rumor | judgement | Document quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mt. Takanawa | The rumor page describes Mount Takanawa as having an elevation of 986m and that the area around the summit is designated as part of the Okudogo Tamagawa Prefectural Natural Park, while also mentioning that the path via Shinyudo Pass is associated with the legend of the mountain where elderly people were abandoned... | Partial match | 88/100 |
| 2 | Osaka Pass | The rumor page, regarding the Osaka Pass, provides a historical explanation stating that "road construction was carried out on the Osaka Pass during the Meiji period," and introduces it as a place where roads from different eras remain. On the other hand, it mentions "headless rider..." | Partial match | 84/100 |
| 3 | Bizan Parking Lot Public Restrooms | The rumor page describes the public toilets at the Mayuyama parking lot, stating that "there is an observation deck and free parking at the summit," and then mentions that "white human figures appear in the windows and mirrors," and further states that "when taking pictures..." | Partial match | 81/100 |
1st place: Mt. Takanawa｜Partial match (88 points)
The rumored details
The rumor page describes Mount Takanawa as having an elevation of 986m and that the area around the summit is designated as part of the Okudogo Tamagawa Prefectural Natural Park. However, it also states that the path via Shinyudo Pass is linked to the legend of Ubasute-yama (mountain where elderly people were abandoned), and that "the spirits of old women and elderly people appear on the mountain path and near the summit." We separated and compared the geography/park designation with the claims of supernatural occurrences.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
An article on an independent paranormal information website compiles basic information about the mountain, the legend of abandoning the elderly, and eyewitness accounts from the mountain trails. The article itself treats the paranormal tales as anonymous oral traditions and does not present any named testimonies or primary records.
- Articles about ghost stories at Takanawa Mountain(Verification Date: 2026-09-21) — Mount Takanawa is considered a sacred mountain with an elevation of 986m, and the road that passes through Shinyudo Pass is linked to the legend of the mountain where elderly people were abandoned. The article mentions rumors that the spirits of old women and elderly people appear on the mountain path and near the summit. The article presents these as oral traditions at the level of anonymous posts.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
The official FAQ for Matsuyama City describes Mt. Takanawa as a 986-meter-high mountain that forms part of the Takanawa mountain range in northern Ehime Prefecture, and records that the area around the summit was designated as part of the Okudogo Tamagawa Prefectural Natural Park in 1962. It also mentions that primeval beech forests remain above 800 meters in elevation, but makes no mention of the legend of the mountain where elderly people were abandoned or any strange phenomena associated with it.
- Matsuyama City Official FAQ - Takanawa Mountain(Confirmed on 2026-09-21) — Located in the northern part of Ehime Prefecture, this mountain, with an elevation of 986m, forms part of the Takanawa Mountain Range. In 1962, the area around the summit was designated as part of the Okudogo Tamagawa Prefectural Natural Park.
Points of agreement/contradictions
The elevation of 986 meters and the designation as a prefectural natural park correspond specifically to the descriptions on the rumor page and in Matsuyama City documents. On the other hand, no official records can be found to support or deny the claims that the ghosts of old women or elderly people appear, and the geographical coincidence cannot be extended to evidence of paranormal activity.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation 986m | support | The official FAQ for Matsuyama City clearly states that Mt. Takanawa is a mountain with an elevation of 986 meters, and the numbers match perfectly. | Matsuyama City Official FAQ - Takanawa Mountain |
| The area near the summit is designated as Okudogo Tamagawa Prefectural Natural Park. | support | Matsuyama City documents clearly state that the area around the mountaintop was designated as a prefectural natural park in 1962 (Showa 37). | Matsuyama City Official FAQ - Takanawa Mountain |
| The spirits of old women and elderly people appear on mountain paths and near the summit. | Unconfirmed | Aside from the rumor page, there are no independent records with dates, times, or observation conditions, and Matsuyama City documents do not deal with the strange phenomena. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
The sounds of voices and footsteps perceived on mountain trails can be influenced by multiple factors, including the sound of trees rustling in the wind, fallen branches, wild animals, and reduced visibility due to fog or dark adaptation. However, the cause cannot be determined due to the lack of contextual data on individual experiences.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The Matsuyama City FAQ is a document that confirms the elevation, vegetation, and designation status of the mountain, and is not a record of investigations into the time when the legends were established or individual experiences. The rumor page also lacks dates, observation conditions, and original sources, so the strange occurrences cannot be verified in a reproducible way.
Verification results: Partial match
While the elevation and designation as a prefectural natural park mentioned in the rumors are supported by publicly available information from Matsuyama City, the central claim of the ghosts of old women and elderly men appearing cannot be confirmed by independent sources. Therefore, we have separated the support limited to the geographical and designation information from the unconfirmed aspect of the supernatural claims, and considered it a partial agreement.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 29/30 | Matsuyama City's individual FAQs clearly specify the mountain name, elevation, designation year, and park name, making it easy to cross-reference. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 21/25 | While the year the park was designated and the background of the rumored legend can be confirmed, the history of the legend's creation itself cannot be officially verified. |
| Safety information | 17/20 | The official website confirms that the area is a mountainous region within a national park, allowing for specific precautions to take when hiking. |
| Newness of information | 13/15 | I checked the Matsuyama City FAQ that is currently available, but I could not find any detailed information about the update date on the page. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 8/10 | While the content of the rumors and the fact that they were posted anonymously are indicated, there are no dates of the experience, no signed testimonies, and no primary sources. |
| 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
If you plan to go to Mt. Takanawa, choose a daytime location and check the weather, road conditions, and necessary equipment. Avoid going alone at night or off the designated hiking trails, and be sure to follow the rules for using the nature park and surrounding facilities.
2nd Place: Osaka Pass | Partial Match (84 points)
The rumored details
The rumor page describes the Osaka Pass as a historical account, stating that "road construction was carried out on the Osaka Pass during the Meiji period," and mentioning that roads from different eras remain. On the other hand, it also includes stories such as "a headless rider appears on the pass" and "the number of Jizo statues along the road doesn't match the number on the way there and back." We examined the road history and the claims of supernatural occurrences separately.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
An article on an independent paranormal information website features several accounts of strange occurrences, along with the location of the mountain pass and the history of the road. The accounts of the strange occurrences are primarily based on hearsay, and do not include the date and time of the incidents, signed testimonies, or direct links to official records.
- Ghost rumors about Osaka Pass(Verification Date: 2026-09-21) — This article introduces the road history of Osaka Pass from multiple generations, and includes rumors of headless riders, blood-stained riders, unmanned cars, human figures in curve mirrors, and the number of Jizo statues not matching the number of Jizo statues on the outward and return journeys.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
The Kagawa Prefectural Archives states that the Osaka Pass underwent renovation work to connect parts of the prefecture during the time when it was part of the Myōtō Prefecture, which included provinces such as Sanuki and Awa. The exhibition deals with the history of the road based on historical records and introduces the people of Kagawa who supported the construction, but it does not record the strange tales about the headless rider, the unmanned car, or the number of Jizo statues.
- Kagawa Prefectural Archives - Road History Exhibition(Confirmed on 2026-09-21) — Construction of a "new road" connecting to Shikoku: The modification of the Osaka Pass, carried out to connect within the prefecture during the time when Myoto Prefecture consisted of Sanuki Province, Awa Province, etc., and the construction of the Shikoku New Road in the 1880s, which aimed to connect the four prefectures of Shikoku.
Points of agreement/contradictions
The historical claim that road construction took place at Osaka Pass during the Meiji period corresponds to the modification records from the Myoto Prefecture era shown by the Kagawa Prefectural Archives. However, the changes in the number of headless riders and Jizo statues are not covered by official documents and cannot be confirmed, so the coincidence in road history alone cannot support the strange occurrences.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road construction was carried out on the Osaka Pass during the Meiji period. | support | The Kagawa Prefectural Archives states that the Osaka Pass was modified during the time when it was known as Myoto Prefecture in order to connect areas within the prefecture. | Kagawa Prefectural Archives - Road History Exhibition |
| A headless rider appears on a mountain pass. | Unconfirmed | Aside from the rumor page, there are no independent records with the date and time of occurrence or signed testimonies, and the public archives do not cover the phenomenon. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| The number of Jizo statues doesn't match the number you see on the way there and back. | Unconfirmed | There are no records that fix the starting point or route for counting, and no counting data that can be reproduced by a third party has been presented. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
On mountain passes, fog, sudden changes in light and shadow, headlights from oncoming vehicles, fatigue, and repetitive road scenery can all affect perception. Regarding the number of Jizo statues, the direction of travel, the starting point for counting, and any oversights may also affect the result, but without individual case data, a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The archives page is a guide to a special exhibition dealing with the history of road construction, and does not contain comprehensive materials on supernatural tales or traffic accidents. The rumors page also lacks sighting dates and times, photographic records, and measurement conditions for round trips, making it impossible to evaluate the reproducibility or frequency of the supernatural claims.
Verification results: Partial match
The specific historical claim regarding road construction during the Meiji period corresponds to records in the Kagawa Prefectural Archives, while the claims about the headless rider and the changing number of Jizo statues cannot be confirmed by independent sources. We separated the supported road history from the unconfirmed anomalies and determined that there was a partial agreement.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 28/30 | The prefectural archives clearly indicate the exhibition theme and the subjects of the recorded materials, allowing for confirmation of the specific details of road improvement. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 24/25 | Official road history documents distinguish between the mountain pass modifications during the time of the Myōtō Prefecture and the later construction of the Shikoku Shindō (New Shikoku Road). |
| Safety information | 12/20 | While traffic precautions can be expected given that it is a mountain pass, the page does not provide detailed information about current regulations. |
| Newness of information | 12/15 | While you can directly check the special exhibition page for fiscal year 2025, it is not a document that provides information on the current state of the road itself. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 8/10 | The types and locations of the rumors are specific, but individual accounts lack dates, signed testimonies, and primary records. |
| total | 84/100 | 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
Since the Osaka Pass is a mountain road on the prefectural border, check road conditions and traffic restrictions during the daytime and drive at a reduced speed. Avoid stopping on the road, entering side roads without permission, and occupying the roadway by walking. Postpone your visit in bad weather.
3rd Place: Bizan Parking Lot Public Restroom | Partial Match (81 points)
The rumored details
The rumor page describes the public restrooms at the Mayuyama parking lot, stating that "there is an observation deck and free parking at the summit," and then includes stories of "white human figures appearing in the windows and mirrors," and further, "unexplained faces or people who weren't there appearing in photos taken at the time." We separated and compared the facility's background with the claims of paranormal activity.
Source of the rumor and date of verification
An individual article on an independent paranormal research website summarizes rumors about the location of a public restroom and multiple instances of unwanted images appearing in it. The article does not provide any original images, shooting conditions, date and time of shooting, or any information about the photographer's name that could be used to re-examine the phenomenon.
- Rumors about the public toilets at the Mayuyama parking lot(Confirmed on 2026-09-21) — It is said that there are rumors that white shadows and inexplicable faces appear in the public toilets installed in the parking lot at the summit of Mount Mayuyama, and that there is an observation deck and free parking lot at the summit.
Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials
The guide to Bizan Park in Tokushima City describes the mountaintop, where the Bizan Parking Lot Public Restroom is located, as having observation facilities, a parking lot, and a flower and bird viewing area. While it is clearly stated that the parking lot has 124 spaces and is free of charge, this official page alone does not confirm whether the public restroom is available 24 hours a day or whether there are people visible in the photos.
- Guide to Bizan Park in Tokushima City(Confirmed on 2026-09-21) — The summit's symbolic zone area is equipped with observation facilities, a parking lot, a flower cascade, a flower and bird observation plaza, and a birdwatching trail. The parking lot has a capacity of 124 cars and is free of charge.
Points of agreement/contradictions
The information about the observation facility and free parking lot at the summit matches the guide to Bizan Park in Tokushima City. However, there are no official records to support or deny the reports of white figures appearing in the windows and mirrors of the public toilets, or inexplicable images remaining in photographs, so the existence of the facility does not constitute evidence of the paranormal activity.
| The rumored atomic claim | Matching results | reason | Corresponding documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| There is an observation deck and a free parking lot at the summit. | support | Tokushima City has stated that an observation facility and parking lot have been built at the summit, and that the 124 parking spaces are free of charge. | Guide to Bizan Park in Tokushima City |
| White human figures are reflected in windows and mirrors. | Unconfirmed | There are no independent documents containing the original image or shooting conditions, and no relevant records are listed in the Tokushima City facility guide. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
| Unexplained faces or people who were not present at the scene appeared in the photos taken during filming. | Unconfirmed | The date and time of shooting, the original image, the sequence of photos, and the photographer's record are not provided, making verification by a third party impossible. | No official data available for direct comparison. |
Alternative interpretation
Images in windows and mirrors can be affected by lighting, ambient light, dirt on reflective surfaces, condensation, camera shake, and compression. Since the original image, shooting location, and exposure conditions have not been released, it is impossible to determine which factors apply to the rumored image.
Scope and limitations of the investigation
The Tokushima City page provides an overview of the park's facilities and does not include individual management records or photographic examples of public restrooms. The rumor page also lacks original images, sequential photographs, and records of on-site lighting for comparison, making it impossible to objectively re-examine the cause of the reflection.
Verification results: Partial match
While Tokushima City documents support specific information about the mountaintop observation facility and free parking lot, there is no independent documentation confirming the appearance of a white human figure or an inexplicable face. The determination is based solely on the matching facility information, and the supernatural aspects remain unconfirmed, resulting in a partial match.
Document Quality Score
| Source transparency | 25/30 | Tokushima City provides information on the park's location, facilities, and parking capacity, but individual listings for public restrooms are not available. |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and spatial context | 17/25 | While the history of mountaintop development and park construction can be confirmed, there is no documentation indicating when or how the rumors began. |
| Safety information | 18/20 | Parks and parking lots are designated as city-managed facilities, making it easier to clarify behavioral guidelines for public use. |
| Newness of information | 13/15 | While you can directly check the publicly available Tokushima City facility guide, the latest operating hours for individual facilities are not listed. |
| Transparency of the source of rumors | 8/10 | The type and location of the phenomenon are clearly stated, but the original image, date and time of capture, and signed testimony are not provided. |
| total | 81/100 | 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
Public restrooms are facilities for general use; avoid taking photos in areas where users are present, occupying them for extended periods, or obstructing entrances and exits. When visiting, check the park and parking lot usage guidelines, and refrain from traveling alone at night or to dangerous areas.
Check the area around the public restrooms at the Bizan parking lot on Google Maps.
What I learned by crossing locations
While all three locations share some similarities, the supported areas do not constitute paranormal phenomena. At Takanawa Mountain, the elevation and designation as a prefectural natural park corresponded to official records; at Osaka Pass, road construction during the Meiji period matched; and at the Mayuyama parking lot public toilet, the mountaintop observation facility and free parking lot matched official records. On the other hand, voices and figures in the mountains, a headless rider, and inexplicable appearances in photographs could neither be confirmed nor refuted by official records. Therefore, each judgment indicates a mixture of specific geographical, facility, and historical information with unconfirmed paranormal claims, and does not mean that paranormal phenomena have been partially proven.
summary
What we were able to confirm this time is that there is specific geographical information, designation, road history, and facility information for the mountains and passes that are the setting of the rumors, which corresponds to official documents. As for the supernatural aspects, there are no official records or measurement data that can be verified by a third party at any of the three locations, so the truth cannot be determined. If you visit the site, please do not enter mountain paths at night or obstruct traffic or facility use for the purpose of verifying the rumors, and check the weather, traffic restrictions, and opening status with official information.
FAQ
Does "partial match" mean that some of the paranormal phenomena have been proven?
No. The only things that matched this time were specific facts such as altitude, designation as a nature park, road construction, observation facilities, and free parking. This does not support the idea that any paranormal activity occurred.
If there are personal accounts on a rumors page, can they be treated as fact?
Personal accounts can serve as documentation to verify the content and origin of rumors, but they do not constitute independent proof of the phenomenon itself. They should be treated separately from official records and measurable data.
Are there any precautions I should take when verifying rumors on-site?
Avoid taking photos on mountain roads at night or in bad weather, in restricted areas, or while parking on the road. Check local government information regarding road access and facilities in advance. Also, avoid taking photos that infringe on the privacy of users in public restrooms and other public places.
How to read this article and safety precautions
" [2026 Latest] Top 3 Ranking of Ghostly Rumors in the Forests and Aokigahara Areas of Shikoku 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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