And then there were the packages. These are the main draw for people in the know who visit the haunted vending machine corner. A lot of the vending machine space is taken up by boxes of varying sizes, wrapped in paper with typed writing on them. Some were wrapped in newspaper with an intriguing folded note taped to them.
Komine Pass: A Murderer’s Hunting Ground
We stopped walking at one point and had a discussion about whether we wanted to proceed – the feelings of fear had gotten that bad. Instead, we talked ourselves up and swore at ourselves and said that we were so close now, that we had to see this through. So we continued, shuffling even slower and clutching each other’s hands. I was afraid that, any minute, the torch would illuminate something that shouldn’t be there. I don’t think I’ve ever been that viscerally frightened in my life. Something felt sick there.
Doryo-do: Hachioji’s Cursed Temple Site
I felt very alone up there, and had a distinct feeling of being watched. I fully acknowledge that knowing some of the history might have influenced the way I felt there, but it was eerie nonetheless. I personally believe that places do hold energy and memories, especially if something particularly bad or violent happened there. Doryo-do felt ominous, but also sad. It was a balmy evening but I felt unusually cold.