One of the most feared places in Tokyo is the head mound of Taira no Masakado, located in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku. Masakado was originally from the nearby Tokyo area and rebelled against the Imperial Court in the Heian period (794-1185), attempting to establish an independent state in the area.
He was defeated and executed in Kyoto, but legend has it that his head flew back to this location.
To show respect and avoid offending Masakado’s spirit, people who work in nearby offices still offer daily incense and place flowers at the site.
The head mound is now surrounded by high-rise buildings, and nearby buildings have shielded windows to prevent people from looking down upon Masakado. Furthermore, facilities like toilets have been designed so that people do not turn their backs or urinate towards him.