Feature | Koyasan Calling
Wakayama , Japan ’ s epicentre of spirituality , is just an hour ’ s train ride from Osaka . Its pristine forested mountains , UNESCO heritage trails , sacred shrines , beautiful beaches and onsens , or natural hot springs , offer something for everyone . Whether you seek Nature , spirituality , adventure or wellness , Wakayama offers you unique experiences to cherish . It ’ s an escape to heal the mind , body and soul . In this first feature in a two-part series on Wakayama , we visit Mount Koya , or Koyasan , a temple mountain in northern Wakayama nestled along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route .
OKUNOIN CEMETERY
Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan is one of the most revered places in Japan . It is the resting place of the high monk Kukai , posthumously known as Kobo Daishi ( 774 – 835 ), who founded Shingon Buddhism . Devotees believe that he resides in the mausoleum at Okunoin in a permanently meditative state . Many bring offerings for him on their visits and worship from outside Torodo Hall , which fronts the mausoleum . The hall is permanently lit with more than 20,000 lanterns .
Stretching over two kilometres , the cemetery is Japan ’ s largest and houses more than 200,000 tombstones . It includes the graves of over 20,000 monks as well as a memorial honouring the victims of World War II . Private day and night tours led by an English-speaking monk are available .
▴ ▾ Okunoin is one of the most sacred places in Japan and a popular pilgrimage spot
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