Only two hours from Misawa Air Base is a mysterious attraction with otherworldly features, a beautiful lake and purifying hot springs. Mt. Osorezan is considered a power spot and some Japanese believe it is where one goes when they die.

Since the founding of Bodaiji Temple on the mountain by Buddhist monk Jikakutaishi back in 862, Mt. Osorezan (literally translates to Mountain of Fear) is known as one of the three most hallowed sites in Japan, alongside Hieizan (Shiga Prefecture) and Koyasan (Wakayama Prefecture).

You can reach the site by crossing a wooden bridge over the Sanzu River, which Buddhists believe is a crossing for deceased souls into the other side.

At the site, you can appreciate Lake Usoriko’s celestial waters, white beaches and the volcanic valleys where sulfur fumes rise from numerous pits surrounding the traditional Buddhist temple buildings.

On the temple grounds, you’ll see many piles of stones, Jizo statues (bodhisattva of Hell and guardian of children) and pinwheels. Locals believe that the spirits of deceased children piled the stones. Visitors who have lost children come to the temple to leave pinwheels as offerings to the deceased children.

Around the temple there are several hot spring baths to soak in for free. There are male-only, female-only and mixed-gender baths, but no showers, towels or soap. So, if you plan to soak, make sure you bring a towel.

If you’re interested in an overnight stay, the temple does have modern lodging, including vegetarian, alcohol-free dinner and breakfast.

In July and October, visitors can witness rituals performed by blind female necromancers, called itako, calling on a divine spirit and summoning the souls of the dead to deliver messages in their voices. This year, the rituals will occur during the Itako Taisai Festival July 20-24 and the Autumn Festival planned for early October.

Visit this otherworldly power spot for its interesting features and views. I’m sure it will become one that you won’t easily forget!

Mt. Osorezan and Bodaiji (Buddhist temple)

Location: 3-2 Tanabu Usoriyama, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture

Hours: May - October, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed November-April)

Admission: adult 500 yen ($3.30), elementary and middle schoolers 400 yen  

URL

Tel: 0175-22-3825

Look at a Speakin’ Japanese at the power spot.

Misawa Air Base

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