Yoshinari Bessho, the feudal lord of Tanba Province, is a collector of butterflies and has his concubines tattooed with butterflies as well. One day while hunting, Yoshinari sees Gennosuke Akizuki's beautiful wife, Okoto. He kidnaps her, tattoos a butterfly on her shoulder and takes her for his own. Feeling shame for what has happened, Okoto throws herself into a well and commits suicide. She then returns as a ruthless ghost that seeks revenge against Yoshinari and his retainers. Whenever the ghost appears, mysterious butterflies always fly around her...