Tourist attraction • Kokuyurin Otsukushiyama Ohata, Mutsu, Aomori 039-4401, Japan
Koyama Jigoku, nestled deep in the mountains of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. True to its name, it offers hellish landscapes. As you are surrounded by the stimulating scent of sulfur, you can experience a strange sensation as if you have wandered into a different world.
As you proceed along the rugged mountain path, the scent of sulfur becomes stronger. Then suddenly, a different world enveloped in smoke and hot springs appears. Hot water gushes from the earth, and gas spouts from the rocks. You will be overwhelmed by the tremendous rhythms of nature.
There are also temples where ascetics reside in the mountain village, indicating that this place was a sacred site seeking spiritual nourishment. While surrounded by the stimulating scent of sulfur, you may be able to sense the profound thoughts of the ancestors.
The small hell is not something to be feared. Instead, it is a precious opportunity to glimpse the mysteries of life that could be called the providence of nature. You will be able to experience the inner workings of the earth, and truly appreciate the preciousness of life.
Are you seeking a wondrous experience that seems otherworldly? Be sure to visit Koyama Jigoku. You will be purified in both body and mind, and undoubtedly gain new insights.