Mount Osore

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 Aomori Prefecture is Japan's oldest hellish belief site. Characterized by rituals where blind mediums called itako commune with the deceased. With nearly 1,400 years of history, summer pilgrimages attract nationwide visitors seeking dialogue with deceased loved ones. Represents a unique fusion of death beliefs and faith traditions.

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.

Japan's indigenous mythology recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Depicting the creation of Japan by Izanagi and Izanami and the activities of deities like Amaterasu (sun goddess), it forms Shinto's foundational beliefs. Numerous sacred sites nationwide connect to mythological narratives. Tourist destinations like Takachiho, Izumo, and Ise gain prominence through mythological associations.

Collective UNESCO World Heritage Site (registered 2004) encompassing three sacred areas—Yoshino-Ommine, Kumano, and Koyasan—and their pilgrimage routes. For over 1000 years, pilgrims visited these mountains for spiritual practice and pilgrimage. Symbolizes Japan's unique religious culture blending Shinto nature worship and Buddhism. Today attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors annually.