Kagome appears to be a 15 year old school girl living in modern Japan, but in fact she is the reincarnation of an ancient priestess named Kikyo. Kikyo was the guardian of the Shikon no Tama (Jewel of Four Souls) and died defending it against the half-demon Inuyasha. The Jewel was burned with Kikyo's body after she died and it is now part of Kagome.

When Kagome finds an ancient well near her home, she is tossed back in time to a feudal Japan where demons roam. It is 50 years after Kikyo's death and forces are looking for the Shikon Jewel once more. Kagome accidentally shatters the jewel and now, because she is the only one who can sense their presence, must search to ensure the jewel shards don't fall into the wrong hands. She acquires an unlikely ally in this quest in the form of Inuyasha himself--now forced to wear a necklace that keeps him under control. Still the pair verbally spar constantly, while at the same time developing a strong bond with each other as their journey continues...