the online database of Japanese folkore

Byakko

白狐
びゃっこ

Translation: white fox
Alternate names: shirogitsune
Habitat: forests, fields, mountains, and shrines

Appearance: Byakko are kitsune with pure white fur. They can have anywhere from one to nine tails depending on their age.

Behavior: Byakko are the most common of the tribes of zenko, or good kitsune. They are associated with Shintō and devote their lives to the service of the deity Inari.

Interactions: Byakko are revered by humans as messengers or even incarnations of the gods. Statues of byakko are frequently found as decorations inside of Inari shrine grounds. Images of byakko are often sold by shrines as charms.

Alphabetical list of yōkai