Continuing on around the coast, a truely lovelly drive....
We come to a mountain called Ozorezan. This is also called "the place of dread and fear" "hells gates" "arid and foreboding" according to Lonely Planet. This is one time Lonely Planet seems to have got it completely wrong. It is a volcanic area with many fumaroles and a sulphur smell. There is also a lake with a white beach. This is where an ancient monk had a dream and was told to spread Budhism here. He built a temple, and a monument to a deity which cares for children.
People come here to mourn lost children, leaving small statues. They leave stones to help the spirit to complete its penance on the way to the spirit world.
There is also a free Onsen inside the temple grounds.
There certainly some hellish aspects to this place but according to the brochure it is a place of comfort and redemption - a place to remember your lost child and help them on their way.
Nearby there is an "observatory".
This appears to be a military listening post. There is also a viewing platform. The view is very expansive but smoggy.
Half way up the mountain to the observatory we came across this small hut.
41.30065°N 141.11197°E
The sign says "This area is for everyone to enjoy. Please help to keep it beautiful." Inside there is a wood heater/stove, lots of firewood and simple furnishings. We lit the stove, cooked dinner and enjoyed a great evening in the warmth. We slept in the vehicle. About 8.30 pm someone came tell us we had to go because he had to lock the gate at the bottom of the road. We explained that we had already had some sake (there is 0 limit for alcohol in drivers in Japan) and that we wouldn't want to leave before gate opening in the morning (0830) and he said OK! So we spent the rest of the night undisturbed by traffic or people.
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