Find one, and you could win a million dollars!?

What Is a Tsuchinoko?

The tsuchinoko is Japan’s version of an unidentified creature—kind of like Nessie or Bigfoot.

Historical texts from ancient Japan describe sightings of this mysterious being, but no one has ever captured one.

Based on the legends, here’s what people say about it:

・It looks like a snake
・Its body bulges out sideways
・It can jump really high
・It supposedly loves sake
　(Japanese rice wine)

Sounds adorable... and a little suspicious.

There’s a Cash Reward!

In Japan, some regions with frequent tsuchinoko “sightings” even host search events.

In May 2023, Niigata Prefecture held a special event:
Capture a live tsuchinoko, and you could win 100 million yen—about $700,000!

第20回つちのこ探検隊
チラシ出来ました。
5月25日だよ!全員集合!!pic.twitter.com/QJhD74kQsD

— つちのこ探検隊-糸魚川市(公式) (@tsuchinoko_1oku) April 7, 2025

Talk about motivation.

Annual "Tsuchinoko Festival" in Gifu

One of the biggest tsuchinoko hotspots is Higashi Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture.
Every year on May 3rd, they host the Tsuchinoko Festa—a festival where everyone searches the mountains together.

When the festival first started, the reward for finding a tsuchinoko was 1 million yen.
Since then, they’ve added 10,000 yen to the prize every year. In 2025, the bounty stands at 1.33 million yen!

おはようございます😃
今日は岐阜県・東白川村で『つちのこ フェスタ2024』が開催されてます。懸賞金は132万。天気も良く絶好のつちのこ日和。参加者の皆さん頑張ってください🐍 pic.twitter.com/5q0OFwL27N

— オカルトエンタメ大学 (@OkarutoEntame) May 3, 2024

Even if you don’t find a mythical snake, you can still enjoy activities like a nature-themed stamp rally and wild vegetable hunting.
It’s a full day of outdoor fun!

It Even Inspired a Pokémon

Fans of Pokémon might recognize this creature:
The Pokémon Dunsparce (Nokocchi in Japanese) was modeled after the tsuchinoko.

If you look closely at Dunsparce’s chubby body and whimsical design, you’ll see the resemblance.

今週のお題｢ノコッチ｣
本編シリーズ・外伝作品に共通して限られたエリアや条件下でしか出現しないことが多いノコッチ。未だ捕獲例の存在ないUMAツチノコになぞらえて｢珍しさ｣をテーマにしたポケモンのように感じます。#ポケモン週末レポート https://t.co/Pzn4Ll8YLC pic.twitter.com/8YB63kYbfL

— 🎭ネオン🐢 (@aq_neon) January 18, 2025

Your Chance at Fortune?

If you ever find yourself hiking deep in Japan’s mountains, keep an eye on the grass.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not join a tsuchinoko search event in Niigata or Gifu?

You might just spot a legendary creature—and walk away a millionaire.