Mount Osore, the “Fear Mountain” of Mutsu, Aomori
Mount Osore — “Fear Mountain” — in Mutsu, Aomori, is counted together with Mount Hiei and Mount Koya among Japan's three most sacred mountains. Local tradition holds that it is the gateway where the souls of the dead cross over to the other world.
Bodaiji Temple was founded here in 862 by the monk Ennin, who was guided to this volcanic site by a prophetic dream.
The sulfur-steaming, rock-strewn shores of the crater lake Usori are seen as the Buddhist hell and paradise made visible. Visitors stack stones for the souls of children who have died.
During the temple's festivals, blind female mediums called itako perform kuchiyose — channeling the spirits of the dead so that families can speak with them one more time.
This landmark is covered in a Long episode on the Japan in 60 YouTube channel. New Shorts and Long episodes are posted every week.