Koyasan Calling

Venture to Japan's spiritual heartland of Wakayama for unique experiences to cleanse body and soul

- S.Rani

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.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE