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Japan
Aogashima
Photo by Eugene Kaspersky https://www.flickr.com/photos/e_kaspersky/17102354598
Where is it?
Aogashima is a small volcanic island located in the Philippine Sea, approximately 358 kilometers (222 miles) south of Tokyo, Japan. It is part of the Izu Islands, a group of islands administered by the Tokyo Metropolis. Aogashima lies around 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Hachijojima, another island in the Izu group. Despite its proximity to Tokyo, Aogashima is quite remote, and the only way to reach it is by boat or helicopter.
What is it?
Aogashima is an active volcanic island that is unique for its double caldera, making it one of the most interesting volcanic formations in the world. The island's landscape is defined by dramatic crater walls, lush vegetation, and the dormant Aogashima Volcano, which dominates the island. The island’s steep, rugged terrain and isolated location have contributed to its small population and distinct way of life.
Key features of Aogashima include:
Double Caldera: Aogashima is the only inhabited island in the world with a double caldera. The island's landscape consists of a larger caldera that was formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago, and a smaller, more recent caldera within it. The inner caldera is home to the island's only settlement and a small volcanic crater, making it an incredible geological phenomenon.
Aogashima Volcano: The central volcanic feature of the island is Aogashima Volcano, a dormant stratovolcano that formed the island’s current landscape. While it has been quiet in recent times, it remains an active volcano, and the island's inhabitants are mindful of its potential activity.
Scenic Beauty: Aogashima’s steep volcanic slopes are covered in lush subtropical vegetation, including wildflowers, forests, and shrubs. The island’s dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views make it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The island is relatively untouched by modern development, with few roads and buildings, adding to its charm and sense of isolation.
Population: Aogashima is home to a small, tight-knit community of around 200 residents, who mostly engage in agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The island's remote location and difficult terrain have made it challenging to develop large-scale infrastructure, and the residents are known for their self-sufficiency and resilience.
Accessibility: The island is one of the most isolated inhabited places in Japan, and getting there is an adventure in itself. Visitors can reach Aogashima by boat from Hachijojima or by helicopter from Tokyo or Hachijojima. The boat journey can take several hours, and the island’s steep cliffs and unpredictable weather can sometimes make travel challenging. Helicopter flights offer quicker access but are subject to weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to visit Aogashima, as the weather is mild, and the island’s vegetation is in full bloom. This is an ideal season for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Summer (June to August): Summer brings warmer temperatures, but it can also bring more tourists and less favorable weather for travel due to the increased chances of typhoons. Despite this, the island’s vibrant greenery and outdoor activities make it a popular season for those looking to explore the island’s remote beauty.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers pleasant weather and is another great time for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the island's landscapes. The fall season also provides stunning views of the volcanic terrain.
Winter (December to February): While winter is the least popular time to visit due to colder temperatures and less predictable weather, it can still be a quiet and peaceful time to experience the island. However, the lack of direct flights and limited boat services may make accessibility more difficult.
Tips for the Trip
Traveling to Aogashima: Getting to Aogashima requires careful planning. Helicopter flights operate from Tokyo or Hachijojima, but these flights are subject to weather conditions and are often limited in availability. Alternatively, visitors can take a boat from Hachijojima, but the journey can take several hours and can be challenging in rough seas. It's essential to check schedules and weather forecasts before planning the trip.
Outdoor Activities: Aogashima offers incredible opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and volcanic exploration. Visitors can hike to the rim of the caldera or visit the volcanic crater at the island’s center. However, because the terrain is steep and rugged, appropriate footwear and preparation are crucial.
Accommodations: Accommodations on Aogashima are limited. There is a small guesthouse and a few inns where visitors can stay, but bookings should be made in advance. Because the island is so small, it is advisable to plan for a short stay to make the most of the experience.
Self-Sufficiency: Due to the island's remoteness, Aogashima is not a place for luxury travel. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic and simple experience, and they may want to bring their own food and supplies, as the local stores are limited.
Respect the Environment: Aogashima is a pristine natural environment, so visitors should be mindful of local regulations and make efforts to preserve the island's unique ecology. Take care not to damage vegetation, leave trash behind, or disrupt local wildlife.
Self-Mummifying Monks
Photo by 663highland https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:220430_ZaoOnsen_Yamagata_Yamagata_pref_Japan29s3.jpg
Where is it?
The practice of self-mummification was most notably practiced by Japanese monks in the mountainous regions of northern Japan, particularly in Yamagata Prefecture. The famous site for this practice is Mount Yudono in the Dewa Sanzan mountain range, where the Daihonzan Tohoku Temple and other related temples can be found. Some of the mummified monks can also be seen in the Churenji Temple in Yamagata. The practice was mostly associated with Shingon Buddhism and Kōyasan, an area deeply steeped in Japan’s esoteric Buddhist traditions.
What is it?
The practice of self-mummification, or Sokushinbutsu in Japanese, was carried out by Buddhist monks who believed in attaining enlightenment through extreme physical discipline. This ancient and now-obsolete practice involved monks deliberately mummifying their own bodies as a form of spiritual enlightenment and ascetic self-denial. They believed that through this process, they could achieve Buddha-like immortality and provide guidance for future generations.
Key features of the practice include:
The Ascetic Process: The process of self-mummification typically began with monks following a strict, multi-year regimen of extreme asceticism. This involved stages of fasting, intense physical hardship, and meditation, designed to rid the body of fat and fluids, which would otherwise lead to decomposition after death.
Dietary Practices: The monk would begin by drastically limiting their food intake and consuming only seeds, nuts, and roots, eventually transitioning to eating only bark and other plant material. The final stage of the process involved a special tea made of urushi (lacquer), which was toxic and would help the body dehydrate and preserve itself as the monk died.
Burial in the Earth: After the monk's body had undergone mummification through these extreme practices, they were placed in a small stone tomb or pit, often in the seated meditative posture, where they would remain for several years. The tomb was often sealed, and the monk was left to die and dehydrate.
Rituals and Prayers: While the monk was still alive, prayers and rituals were performed by fellow monks to aid the individual’s spiritual journey. The practice was not only a form of physical self-discipline but also a deeply spiritual and religious act, meant to demonstrate the monk’s complete dedication to Buddhism.
Key Figures and Locations
Mt. Yudono: One of the primary sites where monks practiced Sokushinbutsu. Mount Yudono was considered one of the most sacred places in Japan, part of the Dewa Sanzan, and was central to the practice of self-mummification.
Kōyasan: Home to Shingon Buddhism, where many monks who practiced Sokushinbutsu were trained. Kōyasan is also home to some of the oldest temples in Japan and remains a major religious center for esoteric Buddhist teachings.
Notable Mummified Monks: The most famous self-mummified monks include Kōbō Daishi (founder of Shingon Buddhism), whose body is believed to be in a state of eternal preservation, and several other monks whose mummified remains have been preserved for generations. The practice itself has become rare and is no longer officially practiced in modern Japan.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to November): The best time to visit the sites where the mummified monks are kept is during the spring and autumn months. These seasons offer milder weather for outdoor exploration, and the natural beauty of the mountains surrounding the temples adds to the spiritual ambiance of the area.
Winter: Winter, with its cold and snowy conditions, can make travel to the mountainous regions more challenging. However, if you enjoy a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience, visiting during the winter months might offer a more serene atmosphere.
Tips for the Trip
Respect the Religious Sites: Many of the temples housing mummified monks are active religious sites. Be respectful by dressing appropriately, speaking quietly, and following the local customs and rituals when visiting. Photography may be prohibited in certain areas.
Visit the Dewa Sanzan Pilgrimage: The Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage route is a sacred journey through the three mountains of the region: Mt. Gassan, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Hu. This pilgrimage takes visitors through sacred sites and allows for reflection on the Buddhist practices that led to the tradition of self-mummification.
Learn the Spiritual Context: While visiting these sites, it’s helpful to learn more about the religious significance of Sokushinbutsu. This will allow you to appreciate the deep connection between asceticism, spiritual enlightenment, and the self-mummification process.
Guided Tours: If you’re unfamiliar with the history of Sokushinbutsu or the temples where the mummified monks are kept, consider hiring a local guide who can explain the traditions and provide more in-depth knowledge about the history and spiritual meaning behind this ancient practice.