Okunoin Cemetery

Okunoin Cemetery Travel Guide

Introduction

Okunoin Cemetery, situated in the sacred mountain town of Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is an essential destination for those drawn to spirituality, history, and unique cultural experiences. As Japan’s largest cemetery, it features over 200,000 tombstones and memorials, creating a poignant and tranquil environment for exploration.

History

With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Okunoin Cemetery serves as a significant site for many prominent figures in Japanese history and spirituality, including Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The cemetery is rich with stories, showcasing a blend of ancient moss-covered gravestones alongside modern corporate memorials. The atmosphere here is both eerie and peaceful, reflecting the juxtaposition of old and new.

How to Get There

To access Okunoin Cemetery, you can take a bus from the Senjuinbashi intersection in the town center, which takes about 10-15 minutes and costs 140 yen. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus to the Okunoin-mae stop, closer to the mausoleum. This bus ride from the cablecar station takes around 20 minutes and costs 420 yen, while from the town center, it takes 10 minutes and costs 220 yen. Buses run 2-3 times per hour.

Attractions

• Kobo Daishi’s Mausoleum: The focal point of the cemetery, where Kobo Daishi is believed to be in eternal meditation. Visitors can offer prayers from outside the mausoleum.
• Torodo Hall (Hall of Lanterns): Located in front of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, this hall houses over 10,000 lanterns that are kept lit at all times, symbolizing eternal light and enlightenment.
• Ichinohashi Bridge: The traditional entrance to Okunoin, where visitors should bow in respect to Kobo Daishi before crossing.
• Gobyobashi Bridge: This bridge separates the innermost grounds of the temple from the rest of the cemetery. Visitors should bow again before crossing, and photography, food, and drink are prohibited beyond this point.
• Jizo Statues: Thousands of small stone statues known as Jizo line the paths, believed to be guardians of children and travelers, often adorned with red bibs and hats.
• Miroku Stone: An unassuming rock in a small wooden cage, said to judge the virtue of those who attempt to lift it, feeling lighter for the virtuous and heavier for the sinful.
• Sugatami-no-Ido (Well of Reflections): A small well next to a shrine housing a statue of Asekaki Jizo. Legend has it that if you look inside and do not see your reflection, you are destined to die within the next three years.

Ticket Information

There is no admission fee to visit Okunoin Cemetery. However, visitors are expected to maintain respectful behavior and adhere to rules, such as refraining from photography, eating, or drinking beyond the Gobyobashi Bridge.

Tips for Visiting

• Respectful Behavior: Visitors should bow to Kobo Daishi before crossing the bridges.
• Photography: Taking photographs is not allowed beyond the Gobyobashi Bridge.
• Food and Drink: Eating and drinking are prohibited beyond the Gobyobashi Bridge.
• Nighttime Visit: Exploring the cemetery at night offers a unique and somewhat eerie experience, though some paths may be poorly lit and temples will be closed.
• Spiritual Experience: Take your time to reflect and pay your respects, as the cemetery is a spiritual journey encouraging visitors to connect with its history and significance.
• Traditional Rituals: Engage in traditional Buddhist rituals like Mizuko Kuyo, which involves offering water, flowers, and sweets to the Jizo statues representing unborn children.

Conclusion

Okunoin Cemetery is a remarkable convergence of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. It provides a unique experience that is both moving and tranquil, making it an essential destination for anyone eager to delve into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.