Okunoin Cemetery

Annie Sobol in the last week

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. Free parking and entry either day or night.

Chiayi Nian a month ago

Really like the peaceful atmosphere! Trees there are tall and green. After snowing, we walk lightly along the trail, feeling relaxed and comforting. Especially recommend visit here at sunset, all stone-lanterns light up, with the snow falling, it’s breathtaking.

Javier Kohen 3 months ago

One of my favorite places on Earth. It's an oasis of nature and tranquility like only a cemetery can be. The funeral is stunning and constantly evoked all sorts of feelings. I spent my entire afternoon here when I visited Koya, happily watching history unfold as the paths and architecture evolve over the centuries to tell the stories of the Buddhist monks buried there. Fun fact: During my entire walk through this cemetery I couldn't but remember my playthrough of Dark Souls.

Bas van der Burgh 3 months ago

Creapy and beautiful at the same time. A very old Cemetery with a run down feel to it, where nature is taking over. After 20 min walking you will discover a mesmerizing temple where pictures are not allowed. Recommend to walk the trail around sunset.

Thomas Delemarre 5 months ago

This cemetery was on top of my itinerary for Japan and it did not dissapoint! It was fantastic to just stroll through the cemetery forest and admire the thousants of tomb stones, moss covered graves and trees. The cemetery path led us up to the Oko-no-In temple, all the way from Kouyasan centre. It has almost like a magical feel to it, especially around dusk, when the lanterns come on. This place is highly recommended to visit. Something you will never forget.