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Japan’s Shimokita Peninsula, a hook-shaped outcropping simply east of Aomori metropolis, has evaded me for a very long time. So lengthy, actually, that I deliberate out a ready-to-go itinerary for myself, which I may execute at any level I discovered myself in Honshu’s far north with a minimum of a couple of days to spare.
Effectively, anytime in the course of the autumn. I knew that if I used to be going to go to the peninsula’s star attraction, it must be amid a sea of blazing crimson and orange.
It is because Osorezan Bodai-ji, the temple that pulls many of the Shimokita-hanto‘s guests, can also be typically often called the “door to hell.” Wouldn’t I wish to see it when it seems to be to be engulfed in fireplace?
Tips on how to Get to Osorezan
The dangerous information? Mt. Osorezan (actually “Worry Mountain”) is distant, even in the event you already plan to be in Aomori Metropolis. That is largely due to the geography of the Shimokita Peninsula—you’ll have to drive virtually as far east as you’ll be able to with the intention to enter it; if you wish to go to Osorezan, you need to drive northward, after which virtually as far western as you’ll be able to. Whereas the temple is just a few dozen kilometers from Aomori because the crow flies, the drive takes 2-3 hours.
And also you do, for all intents and functions, have to drive. Whilst you can technically attain the Shimokita Peninsula by public transportation, getting round when you’re there may be very cumbersome if you need to depend upon native buses. In contrast, having a automotive means you could not solely go to as many sights as you need, however can importantly cease alongside your means each time the temper strikes you.
5 Ideas for Visiting Osorezan Bodai-ji
Are available in autumn
Whereas I don’t deny that Osorezan is an exquisite space 12 months spherical, Bodai-ji temple itself advantages quite a bit from the autumn colours. Along with sheer visible magnificence, they contribute to the hellish environment, and making you are feeling such as you’re on the boundary between life and demise.
(However not after October 31)
Importantly, nonetheless, the Mt Osore temple (and the mountain itself) is simply open for a part of the autumn. Particularly, it closes on November 1. Fortunately, the height of fall colours on this a part of Japan is often round every week earlier than this, making the final a part of October a super time to come back.
Plan to remain some time
The principle temple constructing of Bodai-ji temple is comparatively small, however the website as a complete is large. Even in the event you merely walked by the complete place with out stopping continuously to take footage (as I, unsurprisingly, did), it will take you an hour or two. This, mixed with the journey to and from there, means it’s a half-day journey at minimal.
(Perhaps in a single day)
You’ll be able to keep in a single day at Osorezan temple, although there are a few issues to notice. First, as a consequence of its distant location, the shukubo services listed here are spartan, even in comparison with others in Japan. Secondly, you’ll be able to’t at present e book on-line, although you’ll be able to see costs and the cellphone quantity you have to name right here.
Discover the remainder of the Shimokita Peninsula
The Shimokita Peninsula is without doubt one of the most distant locations in Japan, even when you end up at concern mountain. Specifically, the Hotoke-ga-ura cliffs (which you’ll see from on land, or by boat on the water) are spectacular, although driving alongside the coasts of this hanto invitations you into an genuine native world you received’t wish to go away.
Is Osorezan Value Visiting?
I’ll admit it: Between my very own years of anticipation, and the hype a sure pal of mine (who noticed the temple in a manga and has his personal fantastical associations with it), I had sky-high expectations for Osorezan. I figured not solely that I might be impressed by the temple and autumn surroundings, however that it will rank among the many finest locations I’d been in Japan, each total and particularly on that journey.
At first, it appeared like this may be the case. The so-called Japan hell temple was my first official vacation spot on my newest autumn journey, one which started after an sudden in a single day diversion to Alaska on my journey from North America again over the Pacific. However whereas it felt unbelievable as I walked by it, and definitely compelled me out of my head and into the current second, I don’t see it so amazingly in hindsight—it’s price visiting; it most likely received’t change your life.
Different FAQ About Visiting Osorezan Bodai-ji
Why is Osorezan thought-about sacred?
The only reply to this query is that many Japanese folks imagine that when you die, you’ll sooner or later find yourself at Osorezan. Contradictorily, many additionally see the temple because the door or gateway to hell, which appears to counsel that each particular person will graze the gates of hell, even when they don’t in the end spend eternity there.
Are you able to keep in a single day at Osorezan?
Sure, you’ll be able to keep in a single day at Osorezan Bodai-ji, which maintains easy shukubo services. This can be a good thought if you need to have the ability to take your time exploring the huge website, which even in the event you come for half a day from Aomori can appear overwhelming in scale.
Is Osorezan nonetheless an lively volcano?
Osorezan remains to be an lively volcano, with steam recurrently rising from its vents, heightening the eerie environment of Osorezan Bodai-ji temple. With this being stated, a full-scale eruption is unlikely, so your threat of bodily damage or demise throughout your go to is near zero.
The Backside Line
I promise you that the journey to Osorezan Bodai-ji is price it. Whereas the top result’s clearly most fulfilling in autumn, there’s an vital cut-off to bear in mind—the temple closes for the 12 months on October 31, which can be earlier than peak colours in some close by areas, significantly in western Aomori-ken. Irrespective of whenever you go, I extremely advocate that you simply lease a automotive, because it’s tough to succeed in the temple and different adjoining attraction utilizing public transportation alone. If you happen to comply with these items of recommendation and the opposite suggestions I’ve shared on this article, your journey needs to be clean crusing. Need issues to go even smoother? Contemplate hiring me to plan your whole Japan journey!
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