OKUNOIN CEMETERY

Located close to Mount Koya, the Okunoin Cemetery was opened in 835 and is the final resting place of Kukai- the founder of Shingon school of Buddhism. The Okunoin Cemetery is considered to be one of the largest cemeteries in Japan as it is a home to more than 200,000 graves and memorials. It is located in the outskirts of Koya and is spread over 2 kilometres and is also surrounded by forests.

Some of the earliest graves in this cemetery date back to even 1012 AD and are worth checking out. The locals believe that Kukai’s resting place is nothing less than a shrine, so you can find a lot of devotees visiting to pay tributes. What was once a major forest, today only a part of it remains ever since the number of people were buried here. Plan your visit during your Japan trip to experience the historical significance and serene atmosphere of this sacred cemetery.

Highlights

• Take a guided tour of the Okunoin Cemetery to know more about the origin and history of the Okunoin Cemetery. 
• Check out the Ichinohashi bridge which serves as the entry point to the cemetery and pay respect to Kukai before entering.
• Explore the Gokusho offering hall and learn more about Jizo- a popular Bodhisattva who is considered a guardian of children.
• Visit the Torodo hall which is a prominent place of worship and check out the 100,000 lanterns lit up, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
• Satisfy your burst of adrenaline by taking a night tour and experience the real thrill of visiting a cemetery at night.

How To Reach

• By Car: The Okunoin Cemetery is 60 km from the city centre of Wakayama, it will take 60 min via Route 112.
• By Bus: Take a bus to Okunoin station which is 250 metres away from the Okunoin Cemetery. You can reach the activity location from the bus station with a 3-minute walk

Best Time To Visit

Okunoin Cemetery is open throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to this place at any time of the year. 

• The best season to visit Okunoin Cemetery will be the summer season from March to June because this is the time when the climate is pleasant. 
• The best day in the week will be the weekdays due to less crowds regardless of any time of the year. 
• The best time of the day to visit Okunoin Cemetery will be in the morning due to less crowds and a favourable temperature. 

Other Essential Information

• This is a cemetery and since this is a final resting place, make sure you do not disturb the sanctity of the place. 
• It is recommended to not make any noise when visiting the place as it can disturb the rest of the tourists. 
• This is a pretty vast place, so if you are planning to explore, make sure you have comfortable footwear. 
• Download Google Translate to help you with your language requirements in helping you get around Okunoin Cemetery. 
• Do not litter the place and damage the overall serenity and the sanctity of the Okunoin Cemetery.