Okunoin Temple

Walking through Japan's largest cemetery, Okunoin, in Koyasan is both beautiful and eerie. Recommend going both in daylight and at night. #lifeatexpedia
Walking through Japan's largest cemetery, Okunoin, in Koyasan is both beautiful and eerie. Recommend going both in daylight and at night. #lifeatexpedia
Japan's largest cemetery is a peaceful, beautiful place to explore.
Enjoying a quiet walk through the largest cemetery in Japan following an overnight stay at a nearby Buddhist temple in the mountain town of Koya.
#Koya #Japan #Buddhism #aesthetic #mountain #cemetery #History The history of the small town of Koya dates back to 805 AD when a Buddhist monk by the name of Kobo Daishi or also known as Kukai introduced his esoteric teachings of Buddhism to Japan and created the #Shingon sect. Based on early Budha Tantras, the Shingon sect believes that enlightenment can be attained through meditative practice and esoteric rituals which includes Mantra chanting and the use of Mudras and Mandalas. The town of Koya itself started of as a mountain retreat project proposed by Kukai for people to use as a retreat from worldly affairs as he believes that the mountain itself can be the representation of the Mandala of the two realms that form the basis of Shingon Buddhism. But Kukai himself didn't live to see his dream fully realized since he died in 835 AD at the age of 62 before the project was finished. He was entombed in the eastern peak of the mountain and later moved to a mausoleum dedicated to him in the now famous #Okunoin Cemetery. As the Shingon Sect grew so does the small mountain retreat that Kukai built. New buildings and temples are built around the original retreat until the small secluded town of Koya emerged. Now becoming the center for Shingon Buddhism in Japan, monks and practicioners come in flocks to the secluded town to practice the esoteric teachings of Kukai. Surrounded by tall trees from an ancient forest, the distant sound of bells and sutra's chanting can be heard permeating throughout the quiet town. It's this aura of serenity and myticism of the mountain that drawn Kukai this place and that aura never changes even until now. While distance wise the town of Koya is not far from Osaka, it actually takes around 3-4 hours to reach the place from there because of the lack of fast public transport and it's secludedness so plan your trip well if you're planning to visit this neat little area :)

Plan a trip to see Okunoin Temple

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Just Sleep Osaka Shinsaibashi

Just Sleep Osaka Shinsaibashi

3 out of 5
Minami
Save 100% on your flight
Price was ฿43,483, price is now ฿20,795 per person
฿20,795
per person
16 Apr - 23 Apr
found 4 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Bangkok (BKK) to Osaka (KIX)
9/10 Wonderful! (44 reviews)
Staff were friendly and helpful - spoke Japanese to them and they replied in Japanese (unlike others who want to try practicing their English with foreigners). Within walking distance to Dōtonbori and Amemura, but itself situated on a quieter road. Easy to get to train stations nearby. Bed had a comfy mattress. Free refills of tea and coffee left in our room every day. The room itself was a bit cramped though, with no space under the bed to store luggage.

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

4 out of 5
Naniwa
Price was ฿78,405, price is now ฿36,152 per person
฿36,152
per person
16 Apr - 23 Apr
found 4 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Bangkok (BKK) to Osaka (KIX)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
Staff was amazing! Super helpful! Rooms were nice and clean! Would definitely recommend!!

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

4 out of 5
Naniwa
Save 100% on your flight
Price was ฿46,509, price is now ฿22,062 per person
฿22,062
per person
10 Mar - 15 Mar
found 24 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Bangkok (BKK) to Osaka (KIX)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,573 reviews)
The room was beautiful and we loved the location!

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Popular places to visit

Mimyo-no-hashi

You can find out about the history of Koya with a trip to Mimyo-no-hashi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Mimyo-no-hashi

Miroku-ishi

Find out about the history of Koya when you spend time at Miroku-ishi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Miroku-ishi

Tōrō-dō

Find out about the history of Koya when you take a trip to Tōrō-dō. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Tōrō-dō

Kūkai Mausoleum

Find out about the history of Koya when you take a trip to Kūkai Mausoleum. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this relaxing area.

Kūkai Mausoleum

Ichi-no-hashi

Find out about the history of Koyasan when you spend time at Ichi-no-hashi. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Ichi-no-hashi

Nyonindo

You can find out about the history of Koyasan when you stop by Nyonindo. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Nyonindo

Top Hotel Deals

Kansai Airport Washington Hotel

Kansai Airport Washington Hotel

4 out of 5
1-7 Rinku Orai-Kita Izumisano Osaka-fu
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

4 out of 5
6522 Kumemachi Kashihara Nara-ken
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport

Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport

4 out of 5
1 Rinkuoraikita Izumisano Osaka-fu
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
HATAGO INN Kansai Airport

HATAGO INN Kansai Airport

3 out of 5
2-85 Rinkuoraikita Izumisano Osaka
HATAGO INN Kansai Airport
The Premium Hotel in Rinku

The Premium Hotel in Rinku

3.5 out of 5
Rinkuorai-minami 3-6 Izumisano Osaka
The Premium Hotel in Rinku
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport

4 out of 5
1, Senshu-kuko Kita Tajiri Osaka-fu
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai

Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai

4 out of 5
4-45-1 Ebisujima-cho Sakai Osaka-fu
Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai
See all 2,051 properties in Okunoin Temple
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.