Osorezan Reijo

About this Attraction

Osorezan, also known as Mount Osore or Usoriyama, is one of Japan’s most sacred and spiritually significant mountains. Located in the remote Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture, this mystical destination has drawn pilgrims, monks, and curious travellers for over 1,100 years. Established in 862 by Jikakutaishi, a monk of the Tendai Buddhist sect, Osorezan has been revered as a gateway to the afterlife—where the physical and spiritual worlds are believed to converge.

Often compared to a Japanese version of the underworld, Osorezan is ranked alongside Mount Koya (Koyasan) and Mount Hiei (Hieizan) as one of the Three Great Sacred Mountains of Japan. The landscape is stark and otherworldly, featuring scorched earth, bubbling sulfuric springs, and steaming vents that evoke images of a volcanic hell—especially in areas such as Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Juuzai Jigoku, and Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Despite its infernal appearance, the mountain is also home to tranquil and profoundly beautiful spots like Sai no Kawara, Gokurakuhama, and the ethereal Sanzu no Kawa—a mythical river believed in Japanese folklore to separate the living from the dead.

Surrounding Lake Usori, the scenery dramatically transforms with the seasons. In autumn, the foliage around the lake blazes in vibrant reds and golds, providing a breathtaking contrast to the pale volcanic terrain. This seasonal beauty enhances the sense of both spiritual reflection and natural wonder. Osorezan is also well-known for Shukubo (temple lodging), where visitors can stay overnight in a traditional setting and experience Buddhist practices, including meditation and rituals for the dead.

While Osorezan is accessible by bus and open seasonally (typically May to October), its haunting beauty and deep cultural importance make it a must-visit destination for those interested in spirituality, Japanese folklore, or unique landscapes. A visit here is not just a sightseeing experience, but a journey into Japan’s spiritual past.