Koyasan Okunoin: Japan's Sacred Forest Cemetery
How to visit Okunoin on Mount Koya: the cemetery path through ancient cedars, Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, temple stays and getting there from Osaka.
Quick answer
- What it is: the most sacred site on Mount Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism.
- Famous for: a 2 km path through towering cedars and more than 200,000 graves and memorials.
- Status: part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
- Time needed: 2 hours for Okunoin, and ideally a night in a temple.
- Best time: early morning or a guided night walk, when the path is calm and lantern-lit.
On a mountaintop south of Osaka, a stone path winds through cedars hundreds of years old. On either side, moss-covered graves and statues stretch into the trees. Okunoin is one of the most atmospheric places in Japan.
Why Okunoin is a wonder
Mount Koya was founded in 816 by the monk Kukai, known after his death as Kobo Daishi, who brought Shingon Buddhism to Japan. Today the mountain holds more than a hundred temples.
Okunoin, at the eastern end of the town, leads to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. His followers believe he did not die but entered eternal meditation, and monks still bring him meals every day.
A cemetery for everyone
Over the centuries, everyone from feudal lords to modern companies has placed memorials here to be near Kobo Daishi. Ancient samurai tombs stand alongside modern monuments.
Near the mausoleum, the Torodo Hall glows with thousands of lanterns, some said to have burned for close to a thousand years.
Along the path
| Spot | What you see | Walk from Ichinohashi entrance (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ichinohashi Bridge | The traditional start of the 2 km path | Start |
| Cedar-lined graveyard | Moss-covered tombs of feudal lords | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Gobyobashi Bridge | The entrance to the innermost sanctuary | 40 minutes |
| Torodo Hall | A hall filled with glowing lanterns | 45 minutes |
| Kobo Daishi's mausoleum | The most sacred place on the mountain | 50 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: mist in the cedars and very few people.
- Evening: guided night tours walk the lantern-lit path.
- Autumn: golden and red leaves around the temples.
- Winter: snow and quiet, but very cold, so pack warm clothes.
Our tip: Stay overnight in a shukubo, a temple lodging. You can eat shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and join the monks' morning prayers.
Getting there
- From Osaka: Nankai trains run from Namba Station towards Koyasan. The journey, including the final connection up the mountain, takes around 2 hours.
- Final connection: check Nankai's official site for the current link from Gokurakubashi Station to the mountaintop, as service details can change.
- Around Koyasan: local buses connect the station, the temples and Okunoin.
Visiting respectfully
- Photography is not permitted beyond Gobyobashi Bridge, in the innermost sanctuary.
- Bow at Gobyobashi Bridge before crossing, as pilgrims do.
- Keep your voice low, as Okunoin is an active place of worship.
- Stay on the paths and do not touch or climb on graves.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight on Koyasan?
Yes. Many temples offer shukubo stays with vegetarian meals and morning prayers.
How long is the walk through Okunoin?
The main path is about 2 km from Ichinohashi Bridge to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, around 50 minutes each way at a gentle pace.
Can you take photos at Okunoin?
Yes along most of the path, but not beyond Gobyobashi Bridge in the innermost sanctuary.
How do you get to Koyasan from Osaka?
Take Nankai trains from Namba towards Koyasan. Check Nankai's site for the current final connection up the mountain.
Kumano Kodo
Mossy stone paths, giant cedars and a sacred waterfall on a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.