Some places in the world have a unique way of blending myth and reality. “There’s a village where even the government warns that if you enter, you will never return. This village is called Inunaki Village, and it is located in Japan. However, right outside, there are large signboards stating that Japan’s jurisdiction ends there– once you step in, you’re no longer in Japan.” Such chilling descriptions of Inunaki Village have been circulating for years, capturing the imaginations of thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike. This quote is from a recent viral Instagram video (@muskanarrates), which has reignited curiosity about the village’s unsettling history and fueled a renewed interest in exploring the mysterious place.
It is believed that terrifying things happen inside, things so horrifying that no one would dare to enter after hearing about them. “Yet, some adventure-seekers still try– but no one ever returns.” What draws people to this cursed place? Is it the pull of the supernatural, the tragic past, or something even darker? The legend of Inunaki Village goes beyond typical ghost stories; it’s a place where rumors of death, torture, and chilling events persist.
One of the most disturbing claims is that inside this village, “humans are eaten. People believe that Satanic rituals take place, where individuals aren’t just killed but are tortured to death for enjoyment”, as mentioned in the viral Instagram video. People have reported hearing “screams and eerie noises,” and some even claim that strange occurrences happen when you get too close. It’s a place where reality and horror seem to blur.

While these quotes might seem like something out of a nightmare, they are part of a story that many believe to be real. The truth behind Inunaki Village is rooted in tragedy, mystery, and a profound fear of the unknown. Let’s explore the unsettling facts and firsthand accounts that have made Inunaki Village one of Japan’s most infamous and unsettling places.
A village lost in time (But not in legend)
Inunaki Village is no ghost town– it’s a village that no longer exists in its original form. In fact, the real Inunaki Village was submerged in 1986 when the Inunaki Dam was built, drowning the old village beneath its waters. Yet, despite the disappearance of its physical village, the legend of Inunaki persists, and its ghostly tales continue to captivate the imaginations of those brave enough to investigate.

The modern Inunaki Village is less populated, and the original settlement is mostly forgotten. However, the supernatural stories linked to the area have kept their place in Japan’s urban legend. While these tales may seem like something from a horror movie, could there be more to them than just stories? What if there’s a hidden truth behind the legends?
The tunnel to nowhere
The Inunaki Tunnel is at the center of the village’s dark legends. Built-in 1954 to help travelers cross the mountains, the tunnel’s frightening reputation soon took over its original purpose. In 1988, a horrific crime occurred there when five men abducted, tortured, and burned a factory worker alive. This event marked the shift of the tunnel from a regular passageway to a chilling symbol of fear.
Today, the tunnel stands as a chilling landmark, abandoned and decaying, with no official access. Urban legends claim that spine-chilling noises– like disembodied screams– can be heard echoing within its walls, and those who go too close are said to feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Some even claim to have seen ghostly figures within the tunnel’s confines. But is it just the power of suggestion, or is something truly otherworldly at work here?

The mysterious phone booth
Perhaps one of the most unsettling parts of the Inunaki Village legend is the so-called Cursed Phone Booth. Located near the old Inunaki Bridge, this phone booth is said to be the site of an eerie phenomenon. According to local rumours, if you stand near the booth at exactly 2 a.m., the phone will ring. When you pick it up, a voice will speak to you from beyond, urging you to come closer to the village.
Dan, a YouTuber from ‘come2japandan’ describes in his thoughts on the phone booth: “I think it is actually brand new. In the movie, it’s an older booth but this looks really really new.” Despite its modern appearance, the connection to ghostly legends remains strong, with the booth still standing as a chilling reminder of the area’s haunted reputation.
In the words of Dan: “According to the legend, every 2 a.m. in the morning, this phone is gonna ring… and people who lost their lives jumping off the bridge, or those drowned alive, come and pull this thing close so you cannot get out, and it floods full of water.” This statement directly connects to the eerie reputation of the phone booth, where spirits of those who died tragically in the area are said to communicate.

The villagers: Myth or reality?
The legends surrounding Inunaki Village don’t stop with the tunnel or the phone booth. The most terrifying aspect of the story involves the villagers themselves. According to some accounts online, the residents of Inunaki Village operate under a completely different set of rules– one that doesn’t follow the Japanese constitution or law. Some claim that a sign once hung at the entrance to the village stating, “The Japanese constitution is not in effect past here.”
The villagers are said to be extremely protective of their land, using weapons like sickles and axes to keep outsiders away. They’re described as aggressive and follow their own rules, showing no mercy to intruders. Some even claim the villagers practice cannibalism, feeding on those who wander too close. These stories are chilling, but are they true?
While no definitive proof has ever emerged to confirm the existence of a hidden, violent community in Inunaki, the stories persist, and the fear of the unknown only fuels the legend’s grip on the public’s imagination.
Inunaki Tunnel: Real-life experiences

To gain further insight into the haunting legend, many have ventured into the depths of the Inunaki Tunnel itself. YouTubers like ‘Flipside Japan’ and ‘come2japandan’ have made videos documenting their experiences in the area, offering firsthand accounts of the unsettling journey.
In his video, “I Visited Inunaki Tunnel”, Flipside Japan recounts his visit, saying, “The real Inunaki Village was swallowed up by Inunaki Dam when construction was completed. Legend has it that agents of the dam construction company were sent to evict all residents, and those who refused to leave were restrained in their own homes and left to drown.” He goes on to describe the tragic events associated with the dam, including suicides and gruesome murders, noting, “The bridge next to the dam is a well-known suicide spot, and the road through the Inunaki Pass has seen countless horrific car accidents over the years.”
Flipside Japan further shares his experience in the surrounding forest and abandoned sites, saying, “It’s no secret that nobody comes here anymore.” Despite hours of hiking, the only remnants he found were the foundations of old buildings and an abandoned charcoal kiln. He also details the infamous Inunaki Tunnel’s chilling reputation, especially following the frightening murder in 1988, when five youths abducted and murdered a factory worker near the tunnel.

Similarly, Dan from the ‘come2japandan’ channel shares his visit in the video titled, “I went to the Inunaki Tunnel at the lawless howling village in Japan.” Dan describes his feelings upon entering the tunnel as giving off “immensely creepy vibes,” acknowledging the unsettling atmosphere that surrounds the place. He also comments on the famous phone booth, remarking that “I think it is actually brand new,” as it appeared much newer than depicted in various legends. Nevertheless, he delves into the dark folklore surrounding it, referencing the chilling stories of people hearing ringing phones at 2 a.m., only to be drawn into an otherworldly fate.
Dan explores the tunnel from entrance to exit, sharing his experience with viewers. “According to the legend, every 2 a.m., this phone is gonna ring… and people who lost their lives jumping off the bridge, or those drowned alive, come and pull this thing close so you cannot get out, and it floods full of water.” Though he remains unharmed by the experience, Dan’s account highlights the pervasive fear that surrounds this infamous location.
The role of media and pop culture
The legend of Inunaki Village has become more popular recently, especially thanks to its appearance in pop culture. One example is the 2019 horror film The Howling, which was inspired by the village’s spine-chilling folklore. The film included many of the area’s legends, such as the famous phone booth and the violent, lawless villagers. By mixing fiction with real mystery, The Howling helped bring worldwide attention to the Inunaki Village story, solidifying its role in modern horror culture.
In addition to films, documentaries, and viral online content have played a key role in perpetuating the myth. YouTubers such as Flipside Japan and Dan from ‘come2japandan’ have shared their eerie experiences in the area, further blurring the lines between reality and legend. These media representations often amplify the fear, making Inunaki Village even more intriguing for thrill-seekers and horror fans alike.
The mysterious 1999 letter to Nippon TV
The Inunaki Village legend also caught the attention of mainstream media in 1999, when an anonymous letter was sent to Nippon TV. Titled “The Village in Japan That Isn’t Part of Japan,” the letter claimed a couple had been murdered in the village in the 1970s and urged the station to look into it. The letter revealed disturbing events in the area and led Nippon TV to report on the village’s eerie reputation. This helped fuel growing public interest, making Inunaki Village one of Japan’s most famous legends.
Ethical considerations of visiting Inunaki Village
Inunaki Village’s eerie legends and tragic past continue to intrigue many, but it’s important to approach them with respect. The stories are rooted in real pain, from the deaths during the construction of the Inunaki Dam to the emotional toll on those connected to the area. While exploring these mysterious places might be tempting, it’s vital to keep in mind that behind every myth is a history worth acknowledging. For those who dare to visit, remember that curiosity should always be balanced with respect for the past.