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.
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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 :)

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Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Naniwa

CA $1,905

per person

May 17 - May 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Osaka (KIX)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,886 reviews)

Great location, short walk to Dotonbori and the Shinsaibashi shopping area. Grocery store located right under the hotel as well as access to the metro.

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

Naniwa

CA $2,364

per person

May 17 - May 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Osaka (KIX)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (207 reviews)

Great location and super helpful staff! Close to the train station

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Kiraku Kyoto Gion

Gion

CA $2,799

per person

Jun 5 - Jun 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Osaka (KIX)

8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)

It was a cute place. A little hard to find at first, but was really nice and we loved it!

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2024

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 culturally rich area.

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.

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 culturally rich area.

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.

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.

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.

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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.