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,' where a giant oni statue stands, 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 the Mizoguichi Station and Mizoguichi IC area, there is also the 'Oni no Toilet' (Demon's Restroom), and oni motifs appear throughout the town. Onikko Land pairs well with Mt. Kizumi and Sasafuku Shrine for a full 'Demon Town Mizoguichi' tour.