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 :)

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SARASA HOTEL Shin-Osaka

SARASA HOTEL Shin-Osaka

3 out of 5
Yodogawa
Price was ￥96,400, price is now ￥37,621 per person
￥37,621
per person
May 9 - May 12
found 22 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Sapporo (CTS) to Osaka (KIX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (828 reviews)
Friendly and helpful staff. The double single bed room was comfortable for my companion and I. Amenities were provided and the room was clean.

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2025

Rinn Horikawa Gojo

Rinn Horikawa Gojo

2.5 out of 5
Shimogyo Ward
Price was ￥93,891, price is now ￥40,103 per person
￥40,103
per person
Mar 23 - Mar 25
found 18 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Fukuoka (FUK) to Osaka (KIX)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
I definitely enjoyed my at the Rinn Horikawa Gojo, the room was very spacious for three people and everything was very clean. The staff was also very nice, helpful, and English friendly. The hotel also provided us to do laundry, which is definitely a plus. The location of the hotel is very convenient, there is a bus stop right in front of the entrance and a 7/11 just a few minutes away by walking. This hotel was also close by other places we were interested in exploring. If I am back in Kyoto I think I will stay here again!

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2025

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

4 out of 5
Konohana
Price was ￥115,432, price is now ￥51,808 per person
￥51,808
per person
Apr 17 - Apr 19
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Sapporo (CTS) to Osaka (KIX)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,050 reviews)
Clean rooms and close to the main gates of universal studios

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

Popular places to visit

Mimyo-no-hashi

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

Mimyo-no-hashi

Miroku-ishi

Find out about the history of Koya when you take a trip to 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 spend time at 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 take a trip to 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 with a trip to Nyonindo. Amble within the gardens or visit the temples in this culturally rich area.

Nyonindo

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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.