Okunoin Cemetery: A Serene Journey Through History
Explore the tranquil beauty of Okunoin Cemetery, Japan's largest cemetery, where history and spirituality intertwine in a serene mountain setting.
Nestled in the mountains of Wakayama, Okunoin Cemetery is Japan's largest cemetery and a sacred site that invites visitors to explore its tranquil beauty and rich history. As you wander through the ancient cedar trees and weathered stone lanterns, you’ll encounter thousands of tombstones, including that of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kukai. This serene place offers a unique opportunity to reflect and connect with the spiritual heritage of Japan, making it a must-visit for any traveler seeking peace and insight.
A brief summary to Okunoin Cemetery
- Koyasan, Koya, Koyasan, Ito District, Wakayama, 648-0211, JP
- +81736-56-2002
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more mystical experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven and require walking.
- Take your time to read the inscriptions on the tombstones; you'll find many fascinating stories.
- Respect the solemn atmosphere by keeping noise to a minimum and refraining from disruptive behavior.
- Consider visiting the nearby temples to deepen your understanding of the area's spiritual significance.
Getting There
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Car
From Osaka, take the Hanshin Expressway and merge onto Route 24 towards Wakayama. Continue on Route 24 for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, following signs for Koyasan. You'll pass through the town of Koya, where you'll see signs directing you to Okunoin Cemetery. There is parking available near the cemetery, but note that there might be a small fee for parking, usually around 500 yen.
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Train and Bus
Start your journey from Osaka Station and take the Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi Station, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Gokurakubashi Station, transfer to the Nankai Koyasan Cable Car, which takes you up to Koyasan Station. Once you arrive at Koyasan Station, take the bus (Nankai Bus) towards Okunoin. The bus ride will take about 15 minutes. The bus fare from Koyasan Station to Okunoin is around 400 yen. Buses run frequently, but be sure to check the schedule to avoid long waits.
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Taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from Koyasan Station to Okunoin Cemetery. The taxi ride will take approximately 10 minutes and will cost around 1,500 to 2,000 yen, depending on traffic. This option is convenient if you have luggage or prefer not to navigate public transport.
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