Okunoin Cemetery is a sacred and historic site located in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Koyasan, or Mount Koya, is a mountainous area that serves as the headquarters of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. The cemetery is an integral part of Koyasan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The cemetery is vast and houses the graves of over 200,000 people, including samurai, monks, and notable historical figures. Many of the tombstones are elaborately adorned, and some belong to prominent individuals from various periods of Japanese history.
Okunoin is considered one of the holiest places in Japan and is a deeply spiritual site. It is the mausoleum of Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a revered figure in Japanese religious history.
At the heart of Okunoin is the mausoleum of Kukai, where it is believed that he is not dead but in a deep meditative state, awaiting the arrival of Maitreya, the future Buddha. Pilgrims and visitors come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
The approach to Kukai’s mausoleum is a visually stunning path lined with thousands of stone lanterns. The pathway, known as the “Okunoin Torodo,” is particularly atmospheric and becomes especially magical at dusk when the lanterns are lit, creating a mystical ambiance.
Continuing along the pathway, you’ll reach the Gobyobashi Bridge, a significant point in the cemetery. At this juncture, photography, food, and drinks are prohibited. It is customary to pour water over the heads of the Buddha statues to the right of the bridge as a ritual act. After crossing the bridge, the atmosphere takes on a mystical quality, enhancing the sense of reverence and spiritual connection.
As you near the main buildings, the pathway is lined with lanterns. These lanterns create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially when lit up at nightfall. The Kobo Daishi Mausoleum and the Torodo, the lantern hall, stand as magnificent focal points of the journey. Inside the mausoleum, you will find statues and Buddhist relics on display, while the Torodo houses an incredible collection of thousands of lanterns adorning the walls and ceiling. The golden glow emanating from these lanterns imparts a sublime ambiance to the hall.
Accessing Okunoin Cemetery
Koya san is located near the northern borders of Wakayama prefecture. It is a little difficult to access due to its location. Train services do not run through this peaceful town, so if you are starting in Wakayama city, you will need to take a couple of train lines to Gokurabashi station, and board a cable car from there which will take you to Koyasan station, from there you will need to board a bus to get to the main town center as the station is a couple of kilometers away from the town and walking from Koyasan station to the center of town is illegal. Buses will only cost 290yen to get to Senjuinbashi bus stop, from there you can explore Kōya-san!
Trains run here directly from Osaka on a couple of services, a limited express line, which will cost 1650yen and that will take you to Gokurabashi station. Or for just over half the price (870yen) ,you can take an express/rapid express train, taking twenty minutes longer, and you will need to transfer at Hashimoto station, you will arrive at Gokurabashi station, where you will then need to board a cable car, which costs 390yen, and then you will finally arrive at Koyasan station where you will board your bus.
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