Mt. Osorezan is said to have been first settled in 862 by the monk, Jikaku. It is one of Japan’s three great spiritual places. Strong smell of sulfur and the desolate scenery of volcanic rocks evoke us of the images of Hell. Beyond this desolate rocky stretch lies the white sand shores of Gokurakuhama (Heavenly Beach) and Lake Usoriyama, which makes a strong contrast. Mt. Sacredness of Mt. Osorezan comprises the specific natural settings and religious devotion of the local people. There is a folklore that every dead spirit goes to Mt. Osorezan. This mountain was long known as the place to hold a memorial service to the dead. After World War II, when “Itako no Kuchi Yose (the calling of the spirits of the dead)” at Osorezan Festival and “Aki Mairi (autumn festival)” came to be known nationwide, Mt. Osorezan became popular among tourists. Thousands of Japanese make a queue to see the itako (oracle) during the great festivals.