The Epitoniidae are one of the most complicated families among gastropods, occurring in all seas from the lower intertidal zone to abyssal seabeds. The major purpose of this study is to solve part of the taxonomic chaos in this family, based on species collected around Japan and the adjacent area in the North Pacific. Commented descriptions are followed by a discussion, the type locality, the material studied, the dimensions, and the distribution. The following genera are treated: Acirsa, Kurodacirsa, Alexania, Alora, Amaea, Cirsotrema, Claviscala, Compressiscala, Constantia, Cycloscala, Eccliseogyra, Eglisia, Epitonium, Gyroscala, Obstopalia, Opalia, Opaliopsis, Papuliscala, Periapta, Plastiscala, Rutelliscala, and Sagamiscala.