Okunoin Cemetery, Koyasan

A mystical walk through Japan's largest cemetery to the eternal meditation of Kobo Daishi.

Eternal Rest

Guidance from the Past

Spiritual Enlightenment

While part of a Buddhist temple complex on the sacred Mt. Koya, Okunoin has a deeply spiritual, shrine-like atmosphere. It is the site of the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

History of the Shrine

Okunoin's history begins with its founder, the monk Kukai, posthumously known as Kobo Daishi (774-835). He was one of the most influential figures in Japanese history—a scholar, artist, calligrapher, and the founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism. In 816, he established a monastic complex on the remote, forested mountaintop of Koyasan as a center for Buddhist training and meditation, far from the political distractions of the capital.

According to Shingon belief, Kobo Daishi did not die in 835. Instead, he entered a state of eternal meditation ('nyujo') in his mausoleum at Okunoin, where he remains to this day, providing relief to those who suffer and awaiting the coming of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. For over a millennium, this belief has drawn countless followers to be buried in Okunoin, wishing for their final resting place to be near this great saint. This has resulted in the creation of Japan's largest and most sacred cemetery.

The Enshrined Kami

Kobo Daishi (Kukai)

Kobo Daishi is not a Shinto kami but is a revered bodhisattva and saint in the Shingon Buddhist tradition. He is arguably one of the most beloved and accessible religious figures in Japan. He is seen as a cultural hero who brought esoteric Buddhist teachings from China, invented the 'kana' syllabary (a legend), and contributed greatly to Japanese arts and engineering.

His followers believe he is a constant source of compassion and aid. The phrase 'Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo' ('Devotion to the Great Teacher, the All-Illuminating Diamond') is chanted by pilgrims throughout Shikoku island, where he completed a famous 88-temple pilgrimage. At Okunoin, he is the central focus of worship, a living presence who provides guidance and salvation to all who make the journey to visit him.

What to See

The experience of Okunoin is the 2-kilometer pilgrimage path that leads to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum ('Gobyo'). The path is lined with over 200,000 tombstones and memorials, nestled among giant, ancient cedar trees, many over a thousand years old. These moss-covered stones belong to people from every walk of life, from commoners to emperors, famous samurai warlords (like Oda Nobunaga and Takeda Shingen), and even modern corporations who have plots for their employees.

The atmosphere is profoundly mystical and serene. The path crosses the Ichinohashi Bridge, the formal entrance, after which visitors should bow. At the end of the path lies the Torodo Hall (Lantern Hall), which houses over 10,000 lanterns donated by worshippers. Two flames are said to have been burning here continuously for over 1,000 years. Behind this hall is the Gobyo, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, a place of intense spiritual power and the focus of devotion.

Major Festivals

The most important event at Okunoin is the daily meal offering to Kobo Daishi. Twice a day, at 6:00 AM and 10:30 AM, specially appointed monks prepare and carry a meal in a traditional wooden box from a kitchen to the Gobyo, in a solemn procession. This ritual, 'Shojingu', has been performed every single day for over 1,200 years, based on the belief that Kobo Daishi is still alive in his meditative state. On the eve of Kobo Daishi's day of entering eternal meditation (March 20th), a festival of candles and lanterns is held along the path.