Okunoin Temple Tours and Activities

Walking through Japan's largest cemetery, Okunoin, in Koyasan is both beautiful and eerie. Recommend going both in daylight and at night. #lifeatexpedia
Walking through Japan's largest cemetery, Okunoin, in Koyasan is both beautiful and eerie. Recommend going both in daylight and at night. #lifeatexpedia
Japan's largest cemetery is a peaceful, beautiful place to explore.
Enjoying a quiet walk through the largest cemetery in Japan following an overnight stay at a nearby Buddhist temple in the mountain town of Koya.
#Koya #Japan #Buddhism #aesthetic #mountain #cemetery #History The history of the small town of Koya dates back to 805 AD when a Buddhist monk by the name of Kobo Daishi or also known as Kukai introduced his esoteric teachings of Buddhism to Japan and created the #Shingon sect. Based on early Budha Tantras, the Shingon sect believes that enlightenment can be attained through meditative practice and esoteric rituals which includes Mantra chanting and the use of Mudras and Mandalas. The town of Koya itself started of as a mountain retreat project proposed by Kukai for people to use as a retreat from worldly affairs as he believes that the mountain itself can be the representation of the Mandala of the two realms that form the basis of Shingon Buddhism. But Kukai himself didn't live to see his dream fully realized since he died in 835 AD at the age of 62 before the project was finished. He was entombed in the eastern peak of the mountain and later moved to a mausoleum dedicated to him in the now famous #Okunoin Cemetery. As the Shingon Sect grew so does the small mountain retreat that Kukai built. New buildings and temples are built around the original retreat until the small secluded town of Koya emerged. Now becoming the center for Shingon Buddhism in Japan, monks and practicioners come in flocks to the secluded town to practice the esoteric teachings of Kukai. Surrounded by tall trees from an ancient forest, the distant sound of bells and sutra's chanting can be heard permeating throughout the quiet town. It's this aura of serenity and myticism of the mountain that drawn Kukai this place and that aura never changes even until now. While distance wise the town of Koya is not far from Osaka, it actually takes around 3-4 hours to reach the place from there because of the lack of fast public transport and it's secludedness so plan your trip well if you're planning to visit this neat little area :)

Plan a trip to see Okunoin Temple

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Kyoto Hatsune Hotel

Kyoto Hatsune Hotel

2 out of 5
Shimogyo Ward
Price was CA $2,380, price is now CA $1,369 per person
CA $1,369
per person
May 4 - May 9
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Osaka (KIX)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Kevin, our host went above and beyond. Recommend to anyone wanting serenity in the middle of the Kyoto bustle.

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

4 out of 5
Naniwa
Price was CA $4,057, price is now CA $2,501 per person
CA $2,501
per person
Apr 14 - Apr 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Kamloops (YKA) to Osaka (KIX)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
Great facility all round

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Sta. Kamogawa

MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Sta. Kamogawa

4 out of 5
Shimogyo Ward
Price was CA $2,476, price is now CA $1,541 per person
CA $1,541
per person
May 4 - May 9
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Osaka (KIX)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
Rooms were very well appointed for a family and comfortable for our 3 night stay. Staff were extremely polite and helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Popular places to visit

Mimyo-no-hashi

You can find out about the history of Koya with a visit to Mimyo-no-hashi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Mimyo-no-hashi

Miroku-ishi

Find out about the history of Koya when you take a trip to Miroku-ishi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Miroku-ishi

Tōrō-dō

Find out about the history of Koya when you take a trip to Tōrō-dō. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Tōrō-dō

Kūkai Mausoleum

Find out about the history of Koya when you spend time at Kūkai Mausoleum. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Kūkai Mausoleum

Ichi-no-hashi

Find out about the history of Koyasan when you take a trip to Ichi-no-hashi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Ichi-no-hashi

Nyonindo

You can find out about the history of Koyasan with a trip to Nyonindo. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Nyonindo

Best Lodging Options Near Okunoin Temple

Kansai Airport Washington Hotel

Kansai Airport Washington Hotel

4 out of 5
1-7 Rinku Orai-Kita Izumisano Osaka-fu
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
Bellevue Garden Hotel Kansai International Airport

Bellevue Garden Hotel Kansai International Airport

3 out of 5
3-3-34 Ichiba-nish Izumisano Osaka-fu
Bellevue Garden Hotel Kansai International Airport
OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts

OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts

3.5 out of 5
1 Rinkuoraikita 833 Izumisano Osaka
OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts
REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS

REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS

3.5 out of 5
3-chome-11-21 Uemachi Izumisano Osaka
REF Kansai Airport by VESSEL HOTELS
Odysis Suites Osaka Airport Hotel

Odysis Suites Osaka Airport Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Rinkuoraikita 11 Izumisano Osaka
Odysis Suites Osaka Airport Hotel
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

4 out of 5
6522 Kumemachi Kashihara Nara-ken
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport

Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport

4 out of 5
1 Rinkuoraikita Izumisano Osaka-fu
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
HATAGO INN Kansai Airport

HATAGO INN Kansai Airport

3 out of 5
2-85 Rinkuoraikita Izumisano Osaka
HATAGO INN Kansai Airport
Henn na Resort & Spa Kansai Airport

Henn na Resort & Spa Kansai Airport

3.5 out of 5
1-23 Rinkuoraikita Izumisano Osaka
Henn na Resort & Spa Kansai Airport
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.