Osorezan Itako Medium Tradition

Three sacred mountains in Yamagata—Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. A center of mountain worship since ancient times. The pilgrimage route to Haguro is known for its cedar trees over 300 years old. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, representing Japan's mountain worship traditions alongside the sacred Yudono Mountain.

One of Japan's three great sacred sites. Sulfurous fumes and desolate rocks create an 'entrance to the afterlife.' Known for itako mediums, it draws those seeking to communicate with the dead.

A sacred mountain at 912 meters located in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture. A Tendai Buddhist temple is established here, with landscapes depicting hell and paradise. Nationally known for the custom of itako (blind mediums) facilitating communication with the deceased, it has long embodied strong beliefs about the afterlife.

Mount Osorezan in Mutsu, Aomori, is considered the boundary between hell and paradise. The tradition of Itako—female mediums channeling the voices of the deceased—continues from the Edo period as unique folk belief. The hellish landscape created by volcanic gases fuses with afterlife spirituality, drawing families seeking communication with deceased loved ones through these sacred mediums.

Osorezan in Mutsu, Aomori is one of Japan's oldest mountain pilgrimage sites. Deep-rooted hell-belief traditions hold it as a gathering place for souls of the deceased. Spirit mediums perform séances, and the summer festival draws pilgrims nationwide. Sulfurous air and otherworldly landscapes evoke concepts of the afterlife.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.

A sacred site of mountain worship comprising Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. With over 1,400 years of history as a training ground for Shugendo asceticism, the mountain monks in white robes and their austere practices preserve Japan's mountain ascetic traditions.