So there I was, sitting in my cramped Tokyo apartment, sipping on instant coffee and dreaming of an escape. The city was loud, my job was a grind, and I needed a break. Cue the ‘Eureka!’ moment — Tohoku, the northern region of Honshu, Japan’s main island. You know, the place everyone forgets about unless it’s cherry blossom season or you’re a rice fan.
After a bit of impromptu research during office hours (don’t tell my boss!), I booked a Shinkansen ticket, packed my trusty camera, and set off on what I now call my ‘Temple Trek’. Spoiler alert: It was worth every yen and possibly a few more that I didn’t have.
The First Stop: Yamadera
Yamadera, or Risshaku-ji, was my first stop — a temple perched on the mountainside in Yamagata. Getting there was like entering a scene from a samurai movie. As I climbed the 1,015 steps to the top, I could almost hear the sound of my gym membership laughing at me.
But oh, the view! The autumn leaves were a riot of colors, and the air was fresh, crisp, and tinged with the scent of pine. It was like nature’s very own air freshener. Up there, the world felt different, like I’d stumbled upon a secret only the enlightened were supposed to find. It was peaceful, and for a moment, the chaos of Tokyo felt a world away.
A Quick Detour: Find Your Zen
Now, let’s talk about the temple itself. It was serene, but honestly, a bit too quiet for someone used to the constant hum of city life. Even the birds seemed to whisper. But that’s where the magic happened — the silence forced me to listen to my own thoughts, which is something I’d been avoiding like a bad ex.
Next Up: Osorezan
From Yamadera, my journey took me further north to the eerie yet captivating Mount Osore, known as Osorezan, in Aomori. If Yamadera was a whisper, Osorezan was a ghostly melody. The sulfuric smell hit me first — think rotten eggs with a touch of apocalypse.
This place wasn’t your typical tourist spot, and honestly, it’s not for everyone. The landscape was lunar, desolate, yet hauntingly beautiful. Here, the temples are scattered around a volcanic caldera, and there’s a belief that this is where souls of the dead gather. Cheery, right?
Despite its eerie vibe, I found a strange comfort here. It was like stepping into another world, one that made me reflect on the bigger questions of life, like ‘Why didn’t I bring more snacks?’
The Journey Back: Reflective but Hungry
By the time I was back on the Shinkansen heading toward Tokyo, I was both spiritually enriched and physically famished. Note to fellow travelers: pack more than a couple of rice balls. But jokes aside, this trip was an eye-opener. Tohoku’s temples, while not as famous as Kyoto’s, offer a different kind of beauty — raw, untouched, and deeply moving.
So, if you’re looking for a break from the usual tourist traps, and don’t mind a bit of soul-searching along the way, Tohoku’s hidden temples might just be your next adventure. Just remember to bring a sense of humor and maybe a map. You know, just in case.
Until next time, let’s keep exploring the hidden gems and find our own slice of peace in this buzzing world.
