About Okunoin, Mount Koya
Surrounded by a cedar forest with trees over 800 years old, it is a resting place for souls, including many feudal lords from the Warring States period who wished to sleep here alongside Kōbō Daishi.
Details
Koyasan's "Koyasan Okunoin" is the sacred site where Kobo Daishi entered nirvana and serves as a center of faith for worshippers. In the cedar forest with trees aged 800 years, there are over 200,000 tombstones, memorials, and monuments.
Along the stone path that stretches from the entrance "Ichinobashi" to the "Kobo Daishi Temple," there are tombstones and memorial towers of Sengoku warlords such as Oda Nobunaga, Takeda Shingen, and Date Masamune, as well as haiku stones of Matsuo Basho and Takahama Kyoshi, and unique Jizo statues like "Kanzan Jizo" and "Keshō Jizo," each with its own story, which can be appreciated along the approximately 2-kilometer trail.
As a side note, the proper way to worship is to first bow at the "Mibyō Bridge," where it is said Kobo Daishi welcomes visitors, before crossing the bridge and entering the temple from the front to pay respects. It is recommended to take a moment to rest at the "Shōtoku-den" resting area in front of "Mibyō Bridge" before entering the temple. Please note that photography is prohibited after crossing the Mibyō Bridge.
Highlights
Mount Koya became a center of faith because of the enlightenment of Kōbō Daishi. Within the cedar forest, there are over 200,000 tombstones and monuments, including those of famous warlords from the Sengoku period. The formal pilgrimage begins at "Ichinobashi," near the parking lot at "Nakanobashi." You can rest at the Sōtokuden, built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Mount Koya. After crossing "Mibyōbashi," photography is not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide foreign language manuals? (If so, please let me know which languages are available.)
The Okunoin itself does not provide a guidebook.
Do you have a goshuin?
Yes. In addition to the regular御朱印 (Goshuin), there are also special stamps for the "大黒天" (Daikokuten) and "不動明王" (Fudō Myōō) on their respective auspicious days.
Is there a parking lot?
In front of Ichinobashi, there is a paid parking lot operated by the Shukubo Association. At the entrance of the worship path on the Nakabashi side, there is also a parking lot, and the small path leading to it serves as a temporary parking facility.
Are there coin-operated lockers?
The coin-operated lockers are available at the Nakano Bridge Hall in front of the parking lot.
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