Okunoin Cemetery

A truly monumental place. The cemetery offers stunning views of moss-covered gravestones and creates a unique connection between visitors and those who have passed. For a more authentic and peaceful experience, I recommend exploring the quieter side paths away from the main tourist crowds. The atmosphere is serene, spiritual, and unforgettable. A must-see in Koyasan.

It is a sacred Buddhist site and cemetery on Mount Kōya, in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 835, it houses the mausoleum of Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism. The cemetery spans over 2 km (1.2 mi) in length and is in a forest of tall conifers and has more than 200,000 graves. His resting place in Okunuin has since become a place of pilgrimage, and Buddhist monks bring him ritual offerings and meals twice a day. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Lots of locals, fair number of tourists and pilgrims. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Parking is easy. Free entry. Toilets available. Interesting photography place.

Okunoin is one of the most impressive and spiritual places in Japan. The path through the ancient cedar forest, lined with countless moss-covered gravestones and lanterns, creates an atmosphere that is both reverent and peaceful. Especially at dusk, the place takes on an almost magical atmosphere. The main temple and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi are of deep spiritual significance and invite visitors to pause and reflect. A visit here is not only a cultural experience, but also an opportunity to find peace and contemplation. For us, it is one of the most moving places in all of Japan and comes highly recommended.

Okunoin is deeply spiritual. Walking among over cedar trees and mossy cemetery, I wondered how many years it took for each to become so beautiful. A must-visit in Japan!

To me, this was the main reason to visit Koyasan, which we did on a day trip from Osaka. It would have been cool to spend the night in Koyasan and see more, but we were very happy with our day trip, where we spent most of our time in Okunoin. We took the bus to the city center and walked to the traditional Okunoin entrance at the Western bridge, and took our time walking the path through the cemetery. The whole place felt old and magical/spiritual, probably because of the massive towering trees surrounding us. I highly recommend a visit to Korasan and take your time enjoying Okunoin!

The place acceded our expectations. We went there twice: once at night and the 2nd time during the day. It was a definite highlight of our visit to Koyasan. We are usually are not into visiting the cemeteries but this place is mystical and beautiful!

Absolutely loved this place. It was snowing and very cold, but the place was peaceful and very beautiful. Had arrived early, walked the long way from the Ichinohashi Bridge, and got to see the little ceremony at 10:30am. Definitely worth a visit.

You should definitely visit if you are in Koyasan. It is only a short walk from most temples, though it can take 20-25 minutes to walk from one end to another. You can also book a night tour of the cemetery. which takes you all the way to the mausoleum and you can learn a lot about the Buddhist religion.

Beautiful temple and site in Koyasan. Absolute must visit. Easily walkable from all the major spots.

Beautiful place and worth the trek. Itinerary: Travel to the area Stay a night at a local Buddhist temple Visit the cemetery in the morning Travel out of the area If you're traveling in a stormy season: On my trip there were storms that took out some routes to the Koya area so we had to take a bus. This added time to our travel which affected our itinerary.

I think I'd have been a good Buddhist monk (I'll give y'all a minute). The devotion to duty, quiet contemplation, art, literature, and writing (just a second this time). Stop laughing...I'm serious. Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan. High atop mount Koya (Koya-San), it is the final resting place of Kukai (posthumously Kobo Daishi) the founder of Shingon Buddhism (or "True Word"). The cemetery was built shortly after Kukai's death in 835. It is said that Kukai never died but resides in eternal chant awaiting the return as the great Buddha, and it is here that Kobo Daishi's mausoleum was built. The cemetery soon began to grow as students and followers sought to be buried near their teacher in the hopes of reuniting with him. Over 200,000 graves reside here now. Towering cypress and cedars shade the 2km walk from the entrance to the actual mausoleum. Ancient tomb stones (boseki) of all shape and size line this path. These are often moss covered, and you will soon realize this is a place where nature is reclaiming it's rights. It is a place of wonder, meditation, and contemplation. There are no food stalls, vendors, or beer stands. Though part of a UNESCO site, it is still a path less traveled (and I'll tell you why in my next review). It's peace. Once you reach the small river the Ichi Hashi bridge leads you to the mausoleum. Here you'll find a small wooden structure on the left. This houses the Miroku (Miracle?) stone. It is said that if lifted with one hand and placed on a high shelf, ones sins will be lifted (there is a tremendous line here always). Next is the hall of lanterns. Where lamps have been burning in continual eternal beauty since the year 1100. Onward, you'll hear the soft chant of the sutras and the smell of incense, and the resting place of Kobo Daishi will open before you. Never be afraid of doing something wrong here. There are many around who will help you to understand the rules. I won't go through it all with you, but know that shoes are removed before entering a temple, & no photography (I took several pics in places where I knew I shouldn't and for that I am sorry). These are nice folks. As you depart you'll follow the river to the newer portion of the cemetery. Here you might become confused, as there are many oddities. One stone looking like a huge cup of UCC Coffee, and another of a giant termite dedicated by a pesticide company for it's victims. Shingon teaches that every living thing was created with a purpose and has a right to live. Come early (before sunrise) or late (before dusk) and be treated to beauty of thousands of lanterns that mark the pathway. One of the few places I'd recommend to anyone, without question. I had a long drawn out opus on the fact that I am a Christian but admire Buddhism, and why, but that was way to much. So, just let me say, the celibacy and eating vegan aside... Yes, I would have been a good monk. I know it, and that's coming from a guy who used to wear a t-shirt that said "I'm the only Hell my momma ever raised," but never around momma, cause she'd a tanned my hide. Aloha

Serene. Zen. Moss filled fresh air Lots of little Rasta buddhas wearing nit hats surround you. History crumbles with the stones ... and Monks' chants flow with the wind. I don't know....you just have to experience it.

Hauntingly beautiful moss-covered cemetery, and one of the highlights of our trip to Japan - unlike any other I've seen before. I'd recommend starting from the east entrance, and walking west through the cemetery back to town.

People say you can't, or shouldn't, do Koyasan as a day trip. I did, I left Kyoto at 11am no less. Was it smart or optimal? No, but it was a last minute decision and I'm glad I did it. I only really got to see Okunoin but I spent hours there and it was fantastic. On par (maybe even better!) than Fushimi Inari. Is Koyasan touristy? Yes, in that a large percentage of people you see will be tourists. It's not crowded though... I was in Okunoin on a Sunday afternoon and it didn't feel overly crowded and by 530pm I was essentially alone. It was great... even a little spooky with the sun going down, crows cawing, and the wind rustling the leaves.