One of the most sacred religious sites in Japan, Okunoin 奥の院 on Mt. Koya is the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrimage destination for visitors from around the world. Even for those not interested in religion, the unspoiled cedar forest with aged stone graves set among its lush greenery is a beautiful place to visit.
Okunoin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are two main approaches to the mausoleum itself. The traditional path is about 2 kilometers long (about 1.2 miles) and begins with the Ichinohashi Bridge. Bow at the bridge to show your respect before entering the graveyard, which is the largest in Japan. Over 200,000 tombstones line the approach to Kobo Daishi’s tomb, as monks and nobility alike wanted to be entombed near the famous priest. The second path is about 1 kilometer long (about .62 miles) and goes through an area of more modern tombstones.
Divine statue – Okunoin cemetery (Photo credit: Stéfan)
Both paths converge at the Gokusho Offering Hall. There are statues of Jizo where people pray for departed family members by splashing them with water. Next you will see the Gobyonohashi Bridge, which delineates the inner grounds. Bow again at the bridge, and be aware that photography is prohibited beyond this point. Look for the Miroku Stone in its cage on the left of the path.
Okunoin (奥の院), Koyasan (Photo credit: Note’s Portfolio)
Visitors are challenged to pick it up with one hand; the stone is lighter for people who are good. The Torodo Hall, or Hall of Lamps, is in front of the mausoleum. It contains 10,000 lamps that were donated by pilgrims and are kept lit all the time. Finally, you will see the mausoleum where
Monks bringing food to Kōbō Daishi on Mount Kōya, as they believe he is not dead but rather meditating. They feed him every day and change his clothes. No one except the highest monks are allowed to see him. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kobo Daishi is enshrined. It is said that he did not die, but is resting in meditation as he waits for the arrival fo the Buddha of the Future, Miroku Nyorai. He helps petitioners with their burdens during this wait.
Torodo (Lantern Hall), Koyasan (Photo credit: Hanoi Mark)
Remember that Okunoin is a religious site and act respectfully of the place and other visitors. The dense wood forest is also beautiful at night, but the paths are very dark in places and the halls are not open, so it is recommended to go in the daylight. There are buses that run to the base of both paths leading to Okunoin, or Ichinobash Bridge is about a 10 minute walk from the Senjuinbashi intersection in the center of Koya town.
