Cooped up at home, I often indulge in virtual explorations through Google Maps, allowing me to travel without leaving my chair. On one of these digital strolls…

I stumbled upon this.

It says “Akaoni-Aooni-No-Mon” or Gates of the Red and Blue Oni.

I know that red and blue oni are demons from Japanese folklore that also got incorporated into esoteric Buddhism…

However, looking at the name alone, I have no idea what kind of place this is meant to be.

Let’s check it out!

An Unsettling Path

I headed to Minamiaso.

Departing from a major road, I turned into a narrower one—truly, a route only Google Maps could navigate

It’s probably hard to tell what it is like because I took this photo from inside the car, but it is a very narrow and steep road.

With no room to let any oncoming traffic pass, it felt like an impossible challenge.

Though seldom traveled by cars, caution is still advised.

Upon descending the slope, you come to a crossroads—continue straight here.

Even the bridge here is narrow, so those with larger vehicles should beware.

Another tight slope looms ahead, and we inch forward, hoping not to meet another vehicle.

！？

Suddenly, A Mysterious Space Appears

We barely squeezed through the gate with our compact car—larger vehicles would face a tough challenge here.

And really, what the heck is this place???

The entrance labeled “Red Oni, Blue Oni” was exactly as peculiar as it sounds, evoking images of something from a video game or a manga.

Ah, this Oni looks rather…interesting!

Despite being a demon, there’s something surprisingly approachable about him!

The Blue Oni, though stern, seemed like it might ultimately become a friend.

He gives off a kind of tsundere vibe—though that’s just my take!

Central to the gateway was a figure that appeared quite noble.

There was a sign indicating that there is a Jizo bodhisattva statue revered for protecting the spirits of stillborn children, though it was unclear if it referred specifically to this figure.

Looking from directly under the archway, the craftsmanship was intricate, with detailed fangs and more.

I had driven through the Red Oni’s gate earlier, only to find that the Blue Oni’s gate led to a dead end.

There Were Other Statues Too

Beyond was a spacious area resembling a park.

There were various Buddhist statues, some of which were toppled by earthquake damage from 2016, rendering the area off-limits.

I paid my respects from beyond the fence.

There was also a statue of Fudo Myo-o (Acala).

Traditionally seen as a fearsome protector in Japanese Buddhism, this particular statue seemed unexpectedly serene.

There was also a shrine-like structure but it was locked up when I visited.

It Feels Oddly Familiar

Something about the atmosphere felt eerily familiar.

Then it hit me—was this the “Shimizu Waterfall”?

We had featured it in the Higo Journal before! It’s likely part of the same complex.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out both?

What a strange yet intriguing place it turned out to be. I made sure to exit through the gate on my way out.

I had a good time here!!

I felt like I had been Spirited Away to a parallel universe and couldn’t look back until I was safely through the gate.

Then I was fearfully back on the narrow road again…

Huh??

I found wild boarlets!!

It didn’t flee even as I approached. After a cautious “It’s dangerous!” from me, it reluctantly shuffled off.

Given the narrow roads and potential for wildlife encounters, visitors should tread carefully!

Red Oni, Blue Oni Gate