Osorezan from Aomori Station: A Quiet Day Between Volcanic Ground and a White Sand Beach

This guide covers the way to Osorezan, the volcanic ground, the lakeshore, the times of year and the practical details for a day out.

Along the road to Osorezan, the smell of sulfur grows stronger as the site gets closer, with many Jizo statues enshrined along the approach. The principal image of Osorezan is Enmei Jizo Bosatsu, enshrined in the Jizo-den. Osorezan has been managed by the Soto school temple Entsuji since its restoration. The sections below follow the route, the volcanic ground, the lakeshore, the times of year and the practical details.

Getting to Osorezan

Osorezan is reached by bus from Shimokita Station on the JR Ominato Line. The rail journey from Aomori Station to Shimokita Station runs via Noheji Station by rapid service. From Hachinohe Station, the rapid service to Shimokita Station also runs via Noheji Station.

The table below gives each rail leg, the bus and the drive from Shimokita Station.

From	Route or operator	Time
Aomori Station to Shimokita Station	JR rapid service via Noheji Station	About 1 hour 35 minutes
Hachinohe Station to Shimokita Station	JR rapid service via Noheji Station	About 1 hour 40 minutes
Misawa Station to Shimokita Station	JR rapid service via Noheji Station	About 1 hour 20 minutes
Shimokita Station to Osorezan	Bus from the JR Ominato Line station	About 45 minutes
Shimokita Station to Osorezan	By car	About 30 minutes
Shimokita Station	Shimokita Kotsu route bus to Osorezan, May to October	4 to 5 services a day

The Approach and the Volcanic Ground

The Jigoku area to the left of the Jizo-den is formed of volcanic rock. Around the Jigoku the ground is desolate, with almost no plants, and volcanic gas is emitted from many places. The craggy rock surface where gas erupts is likened to hell.

In the Jigoku itself, stones piled by worshippers as offerings and small Jizo dolls are placed casually.

Gokuraku-hama and the Sai no Kawara

Gokuraku-hama has a white sand beach and an emerald-shining lakeside. The memorial tower at Gokuraku-hama carries many large and small handprints carved on its back.

At Sai no Kawara there are stones piled by parents to mourn their young children who died, and pinwheels that turn around.

Women spiritual mediums called itako began gathering at Osorezan, and the spirit-summoning practice came to be performed within the precincts. The itako are not affiliated with Osorezan, and Osorezan does not manage them.

When Osorezan Is Quiet, and When It Is Not

The facts below set the festival days and the notes from Silver Week beside the times that shape an ordinary day.

Osorezan holds a festival in summer and another in autumn. Before and after the July festival, many pinwheels and bouquets stand on Gokuraku beach, with sweets offered. Fewer visitors than usual came to the summer festival when the weather remained unsettled. Many visitors came during Silver Week, and the goshuin office was packed with people.

Time of year or day	Dates or times
Summer festival, every year	July 20 to 24
Mountain opening each year	May 1
Closed to visitors	November to April
Gate opening, in season	6:00
Gate closing from October 1	17:00
Religious services	6:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Temple lodging, dinner and lights out	18:00 and 22:00
Walking course around the grounds	About 40 minutes

Religious services are held at set times through the day. The morning service at the temple lodging comes before breakfast. From the start of October, visitors are asked to leave through the main gate by closing time. Check the dates in the table before you plan the day.

Hours and Fees, and Planning the Day

It helps to settle the order of the stops before the day begins, using the tables below. Check the times before you travel.

Part of the day	Stop or leg	Duration or hours
Arrive	Aomori Station to Shimokita Station, JR rapid service	About 1 hour 35 minutes
Arrive	Shimokita Station to Osorezan, by bus	About 45 minutes
Visit	Mountain entry reception closes	16:30
Visit	Loop walk through the grounds	About 40 minutes
Visit	Free rest area at the Osorezan bus stop	10:00 to 16:00
Head back	Gate closing from October 1, leave through the main gate	17:00

Item	Price
Entry fee, adults	900 yen
Entry fee, groups of 20 or more	800 yen per person
Entry fee, elementary school students	400 yen
Goshuin stamp	500 yen per item
Kichijokaku temple lodging, one night with two meals	17,000 yen per person
Parking at the site	Free, for about 300 cars

If you are planning an overnight stay, see places to stay in Hachinohe.