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
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