Osorezan

Osorezan (恐山), also known as Mt. Osore, is a sacred mountain located in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The mountain is considered one of the three most sacred places in Japan, alongside Mount Koya and Mount Hiei.

Osorezan is known for its rugged and desolate landscape, often likened to the afterlife due to its volcanic terrain and otherworldly atmosphere. The mountain is home to several volcanic lakes, including the striking Lake Usori, a highly acidic lake with a reddish hue, sometimes referred to as the “Blood Pond Hell” due to its color.

The mountain also houses a number of Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines, most notably Bodaiji Temple and Osorezan Reijo (sacred ground). These sites are important pilgrimage destinations for people seeking to pay their respects to their ancestors and connect with the spiritual world.

One of the most famous events at Osorezan is the annual Osorezan Taisai Festival, which takes place in late July. During the festival, Buddhist monks perform rituals and ceremonies to honor the dead and pray for the living. The festival also features “Itako,” blind female shamans, who are believed to communicate with the spirits of the deceased.

TOC

Getting there
1. By Bus
2. Bus Schedule (May 1st – October 31st)
Osorezan Bodaiji Temple

Getting there

By Bus

From Shimokita Station or Mutsu Bus Terminal:
Take the bus bound for Osorezan
Journey time: About 45 minutes
Cost: 810 yen one way
3-5 buses per day, depending on the season

Bus Schedule (May 1st – October 31st)

From Shimokita Station to Osorezan:

9:10, 11:15, 14:00
Additional 12:45 departure if Resort Shirakami train runs
Extra 16:55 departure from May 1st to September 30th

From Osorezan to Shimokita Station:

10:05, 13:00, 15:50
Additional 15:00 departure if Resort Shirakami train runs
Extra 17:30 departure from May 1st to September 30th

Osorezan Bodaiji Temple

Hours	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open every year from May 1st to October 31st.
Admission	Adults: 500 yen Children: 200 yen
Phone	+81 175-22-3825
Address	Usoriyama-3-2 Tanabu, Mutsu, Aomori 035-0021
Resources	https://aomori-tourism.com/spot/detail_47.html