A giant oni statue and a row of bronze oni figures — the heart of a town revitalization built around the very demons that were once defeated here.
The former Mizoguichi district has long used the oni-extermination legend of Mt. Kizumi as the foundation of community revitalization centered on 'oni' (demons). At the heart of this effort are 'Onikko Land,' watched over by a giant oni statue, and 'Onimori Bridge,' lined with bronze oni figures.
According to tradition, the oni of the legend did not simply meet their end — they pleaded for their lives, were spared, and became 'guardian oni' (mamori-oni) protecting the north. The reason these once-defeated demons are now loved as the town's mascots is precisely because of this legend of the 'guardian oni.' The oni here are not villains who simply lose.
Nearby, around Mizokuchi Station and the Mizokuchi interchange, there is also an 'Oni Restroom' and an 'Oni Telephone Box,' and demon motifs appear throughout the town. Onikko Land pairs well with Mt. Kizumi and Sasafuku Shrine for a full 'Demon Town Mizokuchi' tour.
Two buildings stand at the top of the hill. The nearer one is Oni no Yakata, a hall rented out for concerts and similar events. The building beside it, the one with the giant demon statue towering above, belongs to a television station and is not open for visits; the statue is something you look up at from the car park below.
The place to play is further down. Past the wide car park and down the slope lies the park itself, with a long roller slide that makes an easy stop for families with small children; the slide is the piece of play equipment that remains today. It closes on Tuesdays (or the following day when Tuesday is a public holiday) and for the winter, December through March; the town announces each spring's opening date (25 April in 2026). Restrooms are available.
Onimori Bridge crosses the Hino River at a spot on Route 181 where the giant demon statue comes into view. Ten bronze demon figures sit at the bridge's four sides, said to sweep away the ill fortune of those who cross. It is within walking distance of JR Hōki-Mizokuchi Station.