Okunoin at Koyasan is Japan’s grandest necropolis, going back over 1200 years. See what over 200,000 people call home.
Okunoin at Mount Koya is Japan’s largest cemetery and is still very much in use. The 2 km walkthrough of ancient graves is one of Japan’s most surreal and fantastic experiences. Some people do a night tour of Okunoin which is also a different experience. But given where the isolated Mt. Koya is, many do a temple stay in the area – if you want both, to avoid being rushed, be sure to stay in a temple with _NO 9 PM CURFEW_.
There is a wide walkway that takes you all the way to the Gobyobashi Bridge and the inner temple, lit up at night and easy to find your way. Even if you do get lost, the residents don’t mind. There are actually 2 different paths – the one on the left is older and longer, plus provides a much better experience. The one on the right is newer with newer graves.
The whole area is the most important for adherents of Shingon Buddhism, and their Buddhist saint, Kobo Daishi or Kukai was enshrined there after his death in 835. For many centuries, feudal lords and others wishing to be buried near him have opted to be in Okunoin.
Okunoin Cemetery is by far the best sight of Koyasan – if you have limited time, skip everything else if you have to, but don’t miss this spectacular place. There really is no other place in Japan like it.
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AloJapan.com