The narrative centers on Hiroshi Kuzumi, a 16-year-old student who has recently relocated to the apparently tranquil village of Jogamachi. Situated in the mountains, distant from the city, the settlement is split by a river that divides old Jogamachi from new Jogamachi. Hiroshi soon realizes that the village is ancient, with mysterious traditions and customs preserved over the centuries. Though somewhat disoriented by his new surroundings, he starts to adjust to his life there. Although he has never been particularly popular, he quickly gains the affection of his classmates. The sole exception is Nemuru Kushinada, the aloof class president, whose only interaction with Hiroshi is a warning to avoid the old part of town. It is there that terror and mystery await him.