In the very far north over Aomori is Mt. Osorezan (literally „Fear Mountain“), one of the 3 most sacred places in Japan, considered the entrance to afterlife – or hell. Here a temple was built – the Bodaji. Anybody wanting to further explore in depth the buddhist spirituality and superstition can find more infos here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3727.html as a starter (not to say that Christianity doesn’t have a lot to offer in this area as well…).

The old bridge to cross the river

a bug and various figures greet you

and the main entrance towards the main shrine

The world is a turtle

and the hidden dragon

Everything is a very volcanic landscape with the intermixed colours as a interesting balance

 

Sights are barren and colourful.

The constant volcanic air keeps dragging down the wood and anything in its way

It was a very interesting day for photography – sunshine, a bit of rain, not too warm, many clouds – so just the right mix.

In the foreground (among the stones) are the old bath houses (still in use – just for whom is the question – perhaps the monks)

We couldn’t figure out the exact meaning of the site, but it seems like a very ritual place

Archaic pillars

 

Here the pilgrims put off their old shoes (mostly symbolically I assume)

and donated to the gods

 

View over the whole temple complex

and again the volcanic fields

Everything is built in a caldera and the old walls are very well visible.

Being an old volcano (I assume still active – like almost everything in Japan) the colours show sulphur

and money turns to fascinating colours after exposure to the volcanic air (mostly sulphuric acid I assume) – which gives some insights into the metal content of the money as well…

Really amazing to see the copper parts erode away

Colours in general in volcanic landscapes are fascinating

And some life clings to the edges

Where there is death, there is hope

Stone can be so fascinating

and again shows – this time at the other end

Some lost or scattered objects

and another view over the temple

ghost houses

and Japanese tourist groups

a resting place at the lake…

with a buddha image

and the final gate

with the final farewell to the temple