English Version
Miyagi Prefectural Forest in Rifu Town is surrounded by a number of ghost stories and local rumors, especially around the entrance area and the old cave-like structures nearby.
According to local accounts, a spirit is said to appear near the cave close to the forest entrance. Another rumor describes a ghost dressed like an ascetic monk appearing near one of the shrines in the park.
The area is also said to have a troubling history of many hangings, though details are unclear. The parking lot area and the remains of old air-raid shelters are often mentioned as places where apparitions may appear.
One of the more unsettling stories concerns the marshy areas. Some say that a spirit there tries to drag people down into the swamp.
At night, witnesses have reportedly seen white or black shadow-like figures moving along the mountainside.
Part of the reason so many rumors may have gathered here is the setting itself. The park contains many old air-raid shelters, and there are also two shrines within the grounds. Nearby Takamori Castle is connected to old battle stories as well. With all of these elements layered together, it is easy to see how the forest became the subject of so many eerie tales.
Location: 41 Suganosawa, Kamiyazawa, Rifu Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture.
If you visit, go during regular park hours, stay on marked paths, and do not enter caves, old shelters, or restricted areas. Night exploration in forested or marshy terrain can be dangerous.
Japanese Language
県民の森入口付近の同窟周辺での霊が出る。・修行僧の格好をした霊が神社付近に出没する。・首吊自殺が非常に多いらしい。・駐車場付近や防空壕跡付近などは幽霊の出没ポイント。・沼地の霊は沼へ引き摺りこもうとしてくるらしい。・夜間、山肌をあるく白い影や黒い影等が見える。この公園内には多くの防空壕があること。また、神社が二つも存在しているということや、近くの高森城の戦物語などの要因が重なりあうことにより、このように多くの噂を生み出したのかもしれない。
宮城県宮城郡利府町神谷沢字菅野沢４１
