Ōtani Sobyō, Buddhist cemetery and mausoleum in Higashiyama-ku, Japan
The Ōtani Sobyō is a Buddhist cemetery with numerous stone monuments arranged across multiple levels within the Higashi Hongan-ji temple grounds. The site displays different styles of grave markers organized throughout the landscape.
The cemetery was founded in 1272 by Kakushin-ni, daughter of Buddhist teacher Shinran, as a burial place for her family. The shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune significantly expanded the grounds in the 18th century through land donations.
The cemetery is named after its founding figure and visitors come here to spend quiet moments in reflection. Local people and pilgrims use this place to maintain connection with their ancestors.
Visitors can enter the cemetery without paying admission and freely explore the paths between the different levels. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since the grounds are hilly and require climbing several sets of stairs.
Four times each year, the Hanamoji service transforms flower offerings into Buddhist teachings at the site. After the ceremony, the blossoms are composted and given to local gardeners.
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