Sanzu River

A depiction of the Sanzu River in Tosa Mitsunobu's "Jūō-zu" (十王図). The good can cross the river by a bridge while the evil are cast into the dragon-infested rapids.

The Sanzu River (三途の川 Sanzu-no-kawa), or River of Three Crossings, is a Japanese Buddhist tradition and religious belief similar to the River Styx. It is believed that on the way to the afterlife, the dead must cross the river, which is why a Japanese funeral includes placing six coins in the deceased's casket.

The Sanzu River is popularly believed to be located in Mount Osore, a suitably desolate and remote region of northern Japan.

Real Sanzu River in Japan

• in Kanra, Kanra, Gunma36°15′31″N 138°57′09″E (confluence with Shirakura River)
• in Chōnan, Chōsei, Chiba35°25′22″N 140°15′54″E (confluence with Ichinomiya River)
• in Zaō, Katta, Miyagi38°08′39″N 140°29′29″E (confluence with Nigori River)
• in Mutsu, Aomori41°19′33″N 141°05′46″E (drain from Usori Lake)