Set within the atmospheric alpine forest of Mount Koya, Okunoin is the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism and the largest cemetery in Japan. Winding, moss-lined stone pathways guide travelers past over 200,000 monuments, spanning centuries-old samurai headstones to quirky corporate memorials honoring astronauts and insects. At the heart of the sanctuary lies Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, illuminated day and night by thousands of sacred brass lanterns said to have burned for centuries. Walking through this ethereal, cedar-draped sanctuary offers an unforgettable glimpse into Japanese spirituality and history.
- Cemetery
- Buddhist Temple
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Sacred Site
- History
- Nature
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