okunoin cemetery
Okunoin Cemetery, nestled in the sacred Mount Kōya of Wakayama Prefecture, is not only the largest cemetery in Japan but also a deeply spiritual place. Opened in 835, it is the resting place of Kūkai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, and is revered as a site of pilgrimage. The cemetery is renowned for its serene beauty, with a path lined by towering ancient trees leading to the mausoleum, where monks still bring daily offerings. Okunoin's atmosphere is a blend of solemn respect and natural tranquility, embodying the profound cultural and religious significance it holds in Japan.