The Japanese view this place as an entrance to the afterlife, because it features geographical elements similar to descriptions of Buddhist hell and paradise, including eight surrounding peaks and a river, Sanzu no Kawa, which is to be crossed by all dead souls on their way to afterlife. It felt very ominous to be in this area, and though beautiful, I was ready to leave very quickly.
The bridge or 'Gate'
ominous gods
beautiful lake
Bodaiji Temple
food offerings
piles and piles of stones and pebbles, offerings to the god Jizo in the hope he will help their children gain access to paradise. Heart breaking
shades of blue
steam vents
From here I headed to the Yagen valley via a dirt road highway hoping to relax in a onsen on the river. The drive was beautiful but the children were not cooperating so we headed on to the cliffs.
Yagen Valley
Main highway
dirt road
Hotokegaura are the wind carved cliffs that were a huge reason in bringing me up here. The whole coast of this part of Japan was beautiful and despite a very long hike to the ocean was thoroughly enjoyed.
Enjoying the scenery
Hotokegaura cliffs
my girls
photo courtesy of Stanley
The LONG hike up and down
This caused mild concern...but no sightings
The late afternoon sun was starting to set so I set up the beds in the van and headed for the east coast of Japan. The coast where the horrific tsunami of 2011 cost some 19 000 people their lives. We stopped in for the night at a rest area, and were going to start home the next day.
Very interesting geography!
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