Osorezan Bodai-ji Temple

Alongside Koyansan and Heizan, Osorezan or the Mount Osore, is one of the three most sacred places in Japan. Over 1,000 years ago, a Buddhist priest in search of a mountain resembling the world of Buddha, stumbled upon Mount Osore and its unique landscape, which, according to the legend, was like discovering the world of Buddha itself so he decided to erect the Bodai-ji Temple.

Rich with volcanic activity and a strong sulfur smell, Osorezan is said to be the entrance to the afterlife, where dead souls pass through before being sent to Hell or paradise. Osorezan is also very popular among Japanese for its Bodaiji’s festival where mediums try to help people to communicate with their loved ones.