Okunoin Temple
Okunoin Temple
Okunoin Temple
Okunoin Temple
Okunoin Temple
5

Okunoin Temple

Highly Recommended
1 of 8 in Koyasan

Okunoin (奥の院) is a sacred site in Japan, home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi is believed to rest in eternal meditation, offering salvation to those who seek it. The site is a popular pilgrimage spot, featuring a cemetery with over 200,000 tombstones. The main path leads visitors to the Gokusho Offering Hall and the Gobyobashi Bridge, with a rich atmosphere of devotion. The Torodo Hall, lit by 10,000 lanterns, is the heart of Okunoin, standing near the mausoleum where Kobo Daishi rests.

Visitors can explore Okunoin via two paths, one longer and one shorter. Along the way, visitors can pray at the Mizumuke Jizo statues and try lifting the Miroku Stone. Okunoin’s atmosphere, especially at night, is unique, offering a reflective experience for those seeking peace and connection with the past. Photography, food, and drink are prohibited beyond the Gobyobashi Bridge, ensuring a solemn and respectful environment.

Hours and Fees

Temple (grounds)
  • Opening hours
  • Always open

  • Closed
  • No closing days

  • Entrance fee
  • Free

Temple and Torodo (Hall of Lanterns)
  • Opening hours
  • 6:00 to 17:00

  • Closed
  • No closing days

  • Entrance fee
  • Free

Getting there

The Ichinohashi Bridge is a 10-15 minute walk or a short 140 yen bus ride from the Senjuinbashi intersection. From the bus stop, it’s a 2-kilometer walk to the mausoleum through the traditional graveyard path.

The Okunoin-mae bus stop is the final stop on the bus line connecting Okunoin with the town center and cable car station. The bus ride takes 20 minutes (420 yen) from the cable car station or 10 minutes (220 yen) from the town center. From there, it’s a 1-kilometer walk to the mausoleum.

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