What if a place carries meaning not just in words or history, but in the earth beneath your feet?

In medieval Kyoto, three locations on the outskirts of the city served as funerary grounds—designated places where the dead were left to decompose. These sites are often portrayed online as "hell" or "otherworldly realms," filled with dark supernatural meaning.

But are these images accurate?

This series explores the real story. Through on-site fieldwork, geological observation, and the convergence of natural science, folklore studies, and contemporary philosophy, we uncover why these places were chosen, and what they reveal about how humans create sacred space.

Each episode is a walk. A physical journey through present-day Kyoto, where layers of history—from Jomon times to today—are embedded in the landscape. Listen while you walk. Discover that meaning isn't created by fear or imagination alone. It's written in the ground.

Over four episodes, we discover that the boundary between sacred and profane isn't arbitrary. It's written in geology, felt in ritual, and embedded in how humans understand their place in the world.

Best listened to: While walking the route shown on the map

Difficulty level: Intermediate (assumes basic interest in Japanese history and culture)

Map: Follow along on Google Maps —⁠https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mi7xuk41pECqJkjQ9⁠

Music:

• "Lazy Midnight" by Sachiko Kamaboko
• OP/ED Jingle by t12ya

About this podcast:The script is a narrative reconstruction based on fieldwork and reflection by K. Kawashima. Research, scriptwriting, and audio production utilized AI assistance.

Keywords: Kyoto , Japan , travel , culture , geology , folklore , philosophy