Ghost Candy Shop!?

So, when I came to Japan, I was very adamant about finding "scary things".
Mostly because, it's true, Japan has some of the scariest stuff out there--also, I like to scare myself.

So, before I arrived to Kyoto, I started looking up places to visit with a "ghostly" feel to it.

The first thing that popped up was the Ghost Candy Shop.

Now, this location is slightly difficult to find--BUT it can be done.

Here is the general address: address: Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Matsubara-dori, Yamato-oji Higashi-iru, 2-chome, Rokurocho (京都市東山区松原通大和大路東入る二丁目轆轤町)

Get lost in this general area...

Then you must find this: 

And, that's where the ghost candy is!

So, the story?

Allegedly, many years ago, this candy shop had an unusual visitor.

Late one night, the shop-keeper heard a knock on his door. When he answered it, there stood a frail looking young woman.

"Excuse me, I know that it is very late, but could you give me some candy?" asked the woman.

The shop-keeper thought this was strange, but was happy to make a sale. When he gave her the candy she turned away and walked into the darkness.

The next night, the shop-keeper heard a knock on his door. It was even later than the night before, but when he answered, it was the same young woman.

"Excuse me, I know that it is very late, but could you give me some candy?" again, asked the woman. 

The shop-keeper was a little annoyed, but relented and sold the young woman some candy.

This ritual continued for another five days, but, on the sixth day, the shop-keeper's patience was worn. After the woman had requested her candy and walked away, the shop-keeper followed her into the darkness. They walked for a long time as she led him down several streets and through the woods. When they came upon a clearing, the woman then led the shop-keeper through the gates of a cemetery. 

She stopped at one headstone, turned to the shop-keeper, then vanished.

The shop-keeper, both frightened and perplexed, investigated the grave.

Low and behold, it was open. Inside was the corpse of what looked like the young woman. However, nestled in her arms was a sleeping baby. 

The man took the baby, realizing that it had been mistakenly buried with his mother. As a result, the baby was saved from death.

And, the shop-keeper never saw the young woman again.

***

This story probably sounds familiar, because it is a common urban legend in North America as well. Though it is unlikely that the story is true, it is interesting no less. The candy shop's telling of the story is magnificent and the look of the old shop really makes the story feel real. Also, the shop sells delicious "ghost candy" that appears to almost glow. Overall, this particular candy shop is definitely worth a visit for those who love candy and/or the spooky side of Japan. 

The candy!