Okunoin
Koyasan, Osaka
Source: visitwakayama.jp, checked 13 Oct 2026.
The most sacred area of Koyasan, a roughly 2 km approach through cedar trees several hundred years old to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Over 200,000 memorial towers line the way, including those of feudal lords.
Insider tip
Take the Koya Rinkan bus from Nankai Koyasan Station to Ichinohashi-guchi, the usual start of the approach. Allow time for the full walk in and out.
What the guides say about Okunoin
Koyasan is the Shingon Buddhist sacred mountain in Wakayama. The Koyasan tourism association says to take the Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi and change to the Koyasan Cable Car. Okunoin is a roughly 2 km approach through old cedars to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, lined with over 200,000 memorial towers. From Nankai Koyasan Station the Koya Rinkan bus goes to Ichinohashi-guchi, the usual start. The cable car and bus times weren't on a page checked, so look up the timetable before you leave and leave a full day.
What's on near Okunoin
Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of Okunoin, from the weekly Osaka events calendar.
Shigo Hosan-e at Okunoin
高野山 諡號奉讃会
Time 09:00
A service at the Okunoin lantern hall at 09:00 celebrating the title Kobo Daishi, awarded by Emperor Daigo on 27 October 921.
Sho-Mieiku at Okunoin
高野山 正御影供
Time 09:00
The service for the anniversary of Kobo Daishi's entry into meditation, held on 21 March at 09:00 at Okunoin. A robe is carried from Hoki-in to Okunoin by way of Kongobuji, then on to the Miedo.
Rosoku Matsuri Candle Festival at Okunoin
高野山 萬燈供養会（ろうそく祭り）
Time 18:00 to 21:00
On 13 August visitors place about 100,000 candles along the 2 km approach from the Ichi-no-hashi bridge to Okunoin from 18:00 to 21:00. Free candles are handed out at the Ichi-no-hashi reception tent. Held in light rain. The page asks visitors to come by public transport.
Okunoin Mandoe
高野山 奥之院萬燈会
Time 19:00
Evening lantern services at the Okunoin lantern hall from 1 to 3 October at 19:00.
Nearby
Good to know
- What is the address of Okunoin?
- 550 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama, Osaka (in Japanese: 和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山550).
- How do I get to Okunoin?
- The nearest station is Nankai Koyasan Station, then Koya Rinkan bus to Ichinohashi-guchi. Okunoin is in Koyasan, Osaka.
- How long do you need at Okunoin?
- Plan for 2 hours.
- When is the best time to visit Okunoin?
- Early morning.
Stay near Okunoin
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