Koyasan Okunoin
Map
The holiest ground on Mt. Koya, where the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) is said to remain in eternal meditation. An avenue of over 200,000 tombstones and memorial towers lines the approximately 2 km approach—the largest sacred cemetery in Japan. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Sacred site of the Koyasan Shingon school (the school's fundamental training center)
- Principal Image
- The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai (enshrined behind the Torodo lantern hall). Kukai is said to remain in a state of nyujo (eternal meditation) and continue praying for the salvation of all beings
- Founded
- Said to have been founded in Konin 7 (816), when Kobo Daishi Kukai was granted Mt. Koya by Emperor Saga (tradition). Okunoin is the place where Kukai entered nyujo in Jowa 2 (835)
History & Origins
Kukai founded Mt. Koya as a center of esoteric Buddhism in 816 CE. He entered a state of eternal meditation (nyujo) in 835 CE, and a ritual meal is still offered to him twice daily. He is believed to be spiritually present, awaiting the coming of the future Buddha Maitreya.
Highlights
The solemn approach through towering cedar trees (from Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge to Okunoin), the Torodo Hall (the Lantern Hall, where sacred flames never go out), and the innermost mausoleum (Gobyo) radiate a profound spiritual gravity. Evening visits are also deeply moving.
Visitor Guide
Staying at a temple lodging (shukubo) allows you to attend the morning sutra chanting (from 6 a.m.). The path to Okunoin is about 2 km one way. A minimum of one overnight stay on Mt. Koya is strongly recommended to do the area justice.
Best Season
Early summer for fresh greenery, autumn for fall foliage, and winter for a mystical snow-covered landscape.
Blessings
Annual Events
- March
Higan-e (Equinox Memorial Service)
A memorial service for ancestors held during the spring equinox week. Sutra chanting at Okunoin, where more than 200,000 gravestones stand, has a special atmosphere.
- August
Mandokuyoe (Lantern Memorial Service)
On August 13, countless lanterns are lit before the mausoleum to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is one of the largest events at Koyasan.
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