A walk in the afterworld : Osorezan, the Fear Mountain
Discovered by a monk looking for landscapes resembling the Buddhist world a thousand years ago, Osorezan, which literally means the Fear Mountain, is now one of the most sacred mountains in the Japanese archipelago. Perceived as the entrance to the world of the dead, the place is not as frightening as its name suggests. However, many elements give it an extremely strange atmosphere.
Osorezan during Autumn ©Satoshi Kinokuni sous licence CC 2.0
Located in Aomori Prefecture, in the Tohoku region north of Tokyo, it is home to the Bodan-ji Temple, founded in 862, which provides access to the afterlife. Before it, parents whose child was born or has been aborted made heaps of stone so that Jizo, protector of children and travelers, watches over their soul in the world of the dead. The air smells of sulphur, and steam comes out of the earth, the place being in reality a still active volcano. Vipers with lethal poison have made their home on the hot stones that make up the deserted landscape of Osorezan. The aridity of the place makes it close to the description of Buddhist hell and paradise, and you will also come across river Sanzu no Kawa which, like Styx in Greek mythology, must be crossed by the dead so that they can leave the earthly world. Legend has it that they have to carry six pieces of gold to get through.
Bodan-ji Temple
Going to Osorezan is therefore a real spiritual experience and it is difficult not to acknowledge the power that emanates from the place. In addition, it is also here that meet annually the few Itako still active, Japanese women mediums often blind or with extremely bad sight having undergone intense training, who communicate with the spirit of the dead. On the occasion of their festival, the Kuchiyose, they appeal to the spirits of loved ones to enable them to communicate with the living.
Windmill toys under a sculpture of Jizo, as a gift to the deads
While all this may seem rather sordid, Mount Osorezan is also full of beauty, one finds there the natural lake Usori which water is of a deep blue. In addition, there are several hot springs in the atea, which are believed to cure various pains, and vegetarian restaurants, according to the Buddhist tradition. The place is therefore not so sad as that and allows to see incredible landscapes, as well as good moments of relaxation.
So why not take a trip to the afterworld during your journey in Japan?
So why not take a trip to the afterworld during your journey in Japan?
Usori Lake next to Sanzu River