Founded in 862, open only from May to October: here, tradition says, the afterlife begins.
Founded in 862 by the monk Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) following a dream, the temple stands inside a volcanic caldera where sulphur and steam colour the landscape yellow, a landscape that Buddhist tradition reads as the torments of hell; Lake Usori, strongly acidic, lies beside it as an image of paradise. During the Grand Festival in July and the autumn festival, the itako (blind female mediums) lend their voices to the dead for those who consult them. Four hot springs inside the complex are free for pilgrims only.
Temple of the Tendai school, held locally to be one of the three greatest sacred places in Japan, together with Kōya-san and Hiei-zan. It stands inside the Osorezan volcanic complex, on the Shimokita Peninsula, in the municipality of Mutsu.
ℹ️ Open from 1 May to 31 October, 6:00–18:00 (last entry 16:30); closed the rest of the year because of snow. Admission 700 yen adults, 200 yen students, groups of 20+ 400 yen. From JR Ōminato, about 45 minutes by seasonal bus (or bike hire/taxi from the tourist office at the station).
🚉 恐山 · 3 min walk
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