# **Ebisugaoka: The “New” Silent Hill and Its Authentic Inspiration in Japan**
Konami’s forthcoming horror title, *Silent Hill f*, is steering the series in an audacious new path by introducing its setting in Japan for the first occasion. Instead of the well-known fog-laden American township, gamers will delve into a remote Japanese village steeped in a spine-chilling ambiance and psychological terror. The backdrop of the game, Ebisugaoka, draws substantial inspiration from a real-world site in Japan—Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture.
With the release of trailers and promotional content for the game, people from Kanayama have started to share images of their community, illustrating how closely the game’s environment reflects the real world. Some of these pictures are disconcerting, emphasizing why this place was chosen as the foundation for the upcoming entry in the *Silent Hill* franchise.
## **Ebisugaoka in *Silent Hill f***
So far, what has been revealed depicts Ebisugaoka as a serene, mountainous locale with a twisting layout, traditional Japanese architecture, and an unsettling feeling of seclusion. Although the setting may initially seem calm, the game’s trailer swiftly shattered any illusions of peace. The encroaching presence of a mysterious crimson fungus, unsettling visuals, and an escalating sense of unease imply that Ebisugaoka will be just as horrifying as its predecessors in the *Silent Hill* series—if not more terrifying.
## **Residents Share Disturbing Photos of Kanayama**
As enthusiasts analyzed the *Silent Hill f* trailer, several residents of Kanayama were taken aback to recognize well-known sites. One such individual, X/Twitter user @sinonomeimori, shared images of his former hiking trail, which he identified in the game clips.
> “The town of Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture is my grandmother’s hometown. As I gazed at the screen, my usually mundane walking path transformed into a haunting and surreal landscape.”
Other users chimed in, distributing their own Kanayama photos, some of which bore a striking resemblance to scenes from horror games. One particularly disturbing shot depicted a candy store adorned with unusual handprints on the windows, while another showcased a steep, narrow staircase that seemed to vanish into shadows.
One user reminisced about their stay in a room overlooking a river:
> “In Kanayama, there was a room right above the river! I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating view. From that room, an elderly lady looked at me and smiled. Apologies, but it felt like a moment from a horror game, and it truly lifted my mood! I also encountered the most frightening staircase, so I’m incredibly pleased!”
These real-life narratives and visuals have only heightened the anticipation—and trepidation—surrounding *Silent Hill f*.
## **Why Kanayama Was Selected**
During a **livestream for *Silent Hill f***, the game’s scriptwriter, Ryukishi07, elaborated on the reasons for choosing Kanayama as the inspiration for Ebisugaoka.
Ryukishi07 sought a location that could authentically represent the essence of a rural Japanese town from the 1960s. After evaluating multiple areas, he visited Kanayama and was captivated by its unique design and buildings. The town’s narrow, winding roads and aged structures imparted a distinctive, almost timeless aura.
He was particularly intrigued by how the town’s history lingered in its architecture and daily life. This sense of a lingering past and quiet decline aligned perfectly with the themes of *Silent Hill f*, making Kanayama the perfect backdrop for the game’s psychological horror.
## **A Real-Life Silent Hill?**
While Kanayama may not be haunted (to our knowledge), the uncanny resemblances between the town and *Silent Hill f* have ignited conversations among horror aficionados. The notion that a real location could inspire such a chilling game introduces an additional layer of disquiet.
As more information about *Silent Hill f* comes to light, fans are likely to keep exploring Kanayama’s actual spots, making connections between the game and reality. Whether or not the town turns into a sought-after destination for horror fans remains uncertain, but one fact is clear—Kanayama has now secured its place in gaming lore as the real-life muse for the next spine-tingling episode of *Silent Hill*.
Would you dare to visit Kanayama after dark?