Off Rte 112, halfway between Yudono-san and Tsuruoka in the village of Ōami, these two seemingly ordinary country temples house the mummies of priests who have become 'living Buddhas'. The ascetic practice of self-mummification, outlawed since the 19th century, involved coming as close to death as possible through starvation, before being buried alive while meditating.
Both temples are located close to the Ōami bus stop, and there are colourful signs to follow. The mummy at Dainichibō is dressed in bright reddish-orange robes, and is looking rather ghoulish with his leathery skin. From the bus stop, head into the village, make a left at the post office, and continue walking for about 10 minutes.
The Chūren-ji mummy, which is no less freakish looking, is allegedly a reformed murderer who became a powerful Buddhist priest. From the bus stop, head north along the road, carefully following signs at all of the junctions. Appropriately enough, the temple is after the graveyard.
Buses are spaced about two hours apart, which leaves time to look around, and still make your connection back to Tsuruoka.
