Okuno-in Temple

The site features a two-kilometer path through Japan's largest cemetery containing over two hundred thousand graves beneath towering cedar trees, leading to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Established in 835 AD, the site houses the mausoleum where Kobo Daishi is believed to remain in eternal meditation, awaiting the future Buddha Maitreya while providing spiritual guidance to devotees seeking salvation.

Followers maintain the tradition of bringing ritual meals twice daily to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, and the Torodo Hall contains over ten thousand continuously burning lanterns donated by pilgrims, some remaining lit for nine centuries.

Visitors access the cemetery by walking fifteen minutes from town center or taking a bus to Okunoin-mae stop, and photography is prohibited beyond the Gobyo-no-hashi bridge near the inner sanctuary.

The cemetery includes corporate memorials erected by Japanese companies since 1938, featuring unusual monuments such as a pest control company's tribute to exterminated termites and a replica of the Apollo Saturn rocket.

Location: Koya

Part of: Kongōbu-ji Temple

Address: Japan, 〒648-0211 Wakayama, Ito District, Koya, Kōyasan, 奥の院 648-0211 Koya

Phone: +81736562002

Website: http://koyasan.or.jp/fr/meguru/sights.html#okunoin

GPS coordinates: 34.21750,135.60500

Latest update: November 23, 2025 08:50