Osorezan

Mt. Fear (恐山)

Osorezan is one of the most spiritual places in Japan. The Osoresan Bodaiji Temple was founded in 862 CE by Jikaku Daishi Ennin. He received a divine message in a dream telling him to travel east and find the holy peak. There, he should create an image of the Bodhisattva and establish Buddhism. The area surrounding the temple represents heaven and hell. The barren land represents hell. The heavy sulfur smell and yellow terrain prevent living organisms from inhabiting the area. The barren land is surrounded by a dense forest, creating a surreal atmosphere. There are many Buddhist statues in this spiritual area.

Osoresan is famous for its itako, or necromancer. Itaco are believed to be able to bring the souls of the dead. Many believers come to Osorezan during the Big Festival in the summer and the Fall Pilgrimage to communicate with the dead.

Osorezan Mountain is a dormant volcano, and there are four onsen, or hot spring baths, in the area. You can use them for free. You can also stay at the Kitijyoukaku (吉祥閣). The cost for a one-night stay is 17,000 yen per person and includes dinner and breakfast. However, it does not include the 700-yen admission fee to Osorezan. Unfortunately, the website is only available in Japanese.

Accommodation

The temple offers accommodation at Kitijyoukaku (吉祥閣). If you don’t speak Japanese, it’s best to ask a Japanese-speaking travel agency to make a reservation for you. Osorezan is about a 30-minute drive from Mutsu City, where there are many hotels. I stayed at Minshuku Komukai Motel (telephone: 0175-26-2764), which is located on National Route 279, south of Mutsu City and about a five-minute walk from JR Kanayazawa Station. The motel cost me about 4,000 yen.

Access

The bus leaves from JR Shimokita Station to Osorezan four or five times a day.

	1	2	3	4	5*
Shimokita St.	9:10	11:20	14:10	16:55	12:50
Osorezan	9:53	12:03	14:53	17:30	13:33

	1	2	3	4	5*
Osorezan	10:10	13:05	15:55	17:30	15:05
Shimokita St.	10:45	13:40	16:30	18:05	15:40