Cryptid Vault
Tsuchinoko

Tsuchinoko

Also known as: Bachi Hebi, Beer Bottle Snake, Nozuchi

A fat, stumpy snake that supposedly jumps, speaks, and has a taste for alcohol.

First Reported

712 CE (Kojiki)

Origin Area

Rural Japan, widespread

Size

30-80 cm long

Temperament

Shy, elusive

Status

Active bounties in some municipalities

Eyewitness reportsLow DangerAsiaForestMountain

The Lore

The tsuchinoko is a legendary snake-like cryptid reported across Japan for centuries. Unlike any known serpent, it has a thick, bulging midsection and a thin tail, resembling a beer bottle. Witnesses claim it can jump up to a meter in the air and sometimes rolls downhill like a wheel. Several Japanese municipalities have offered bounties for its capture, with rewards reaching millions of yen.

Body Type

Serpentine

Folklore Origin

Regional folkloreHistorical reports

Media Appearances

  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
  • Yokai Watch (anime/game series)

Similar Real Animals

Blue-tongued skinkDeath adderHognose snake