Koyasan will be the second stop after arrival in Osaka. I am looking forward to seeing rural Japan and what historical communities looked like.
Koyasan is a town located in the Koya Plateau in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. It is known for being the center of Shingon Buddhism, an esoteric sect of Buddhism that originated in Japan. The town is home to a number of temples, shrines, and other important religious sites, including the Okunoin Cemetery, which is the largest cemetery in Japan and the final resting place of many prominent Buddhist monks and laypeople. Koyasan is also home to a number of monasteries that offer overnight accommodation for visitors, allowing them to experience the daily life of a monk and participate in temple activities such as meditation and chanting. The town is a popular destination for both religious pilgrimages and tourists interested in learning more about Buddhism and Japanese culture.
Here are some of the most important sights and attractions in Koyasan:
- Kongobu-ji Temple: This is the main temple of Shingon Buddhism and the headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon sect. It is also the largest temple in Koyasan and is known for its beautiful gardens and buildings.
- Garan: This is the complex of buildings that make up the main temple complex at Koyasan. It includes several important buildings, such as the Konpon Daito, a large pagoda that is considered the symbol of Koyasan.
- Okunoin Cemetery: This is the largest cemetery in Japan and the final resting place of many prominent Buddhist monks and laypeople. It is a popular place for pilgrimages and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
- Danjo Garan: This is a complex of buildings that includes the Konpon Daito and several other important structures, such as the Miedo and the Kodo lecture hall. It is considered the spiritual heart of Koyasan.
- Fudo-do Temple: This temple is known for its beautiful gardens and buildings, as well as its collection of Fudo statues, which are considered to be powerful deities in Shingon Buddhism.
- Kongocho-ji Temple: This temple is known for its beautiful gardens and buildings, as well as its collection of Buddhist scriptures and other important texts. It is also the site of the annual Kongocho-ji Temple Festival, which is held in October.
- Myoo-in Temple: This temple is known for its beautiful gardens and buildings, as well as its collection of Myoo statues, which are considered to be powerful deities in Shingon Buddhism.
- Koyasan Cable Car: This cable car takes visitors from the town of Koyasan to the top of the Koya Plateau, where many of the temples and other attractions are located. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Koyasan Shukubo: These are monasteries that offer overnight accommodation for visitors, allowing them to experience the daily life of a monk and participate in temple activities such as meditation and chanting.
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and other items related to the history and culture of Koyasan and Shingon Buddhism. It is a great place to learn more about the town’s history and significance.
Okunoin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Japan and is the final resting place of many prominent Buddhist monks and laypeople. Some of the most notable individuals buried at Okunoin include:
- Kobo Daishi: Also known as Kukai, Kobo Daishi is the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most important figures in Japanese history. He is said to be in eternal meditation at Okunoin, and his mausoleum is a popular place for pilgrimages.
- Minamoto no Yoritomo: Yoritomo was the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1185 to 1333. He is also buried at Okunoin.
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Hideyoshi was a powerful feudal lord and military leader who played a key role in the unification of Japan in the late 16th century. He is also buried at Okunoin.
- Oda Nobunaga: Nobunaga was another powerful feudal lord and military leader who played a key role in the unification of Japan in the late 16th century. He is also buried at Okunoin.
- Tokugawa Ieyasu: Ieyasu was the founder and first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. He is also buried at Okunoin.
In addition to these historical figures, Okunoin is also the final resting place of many other prominent Buddhist monks and laypeople, as well as a number of modern-day celebrities and public figures.
Phrase of the Day:
Here are a few phrases that might be helpful when visiting a Buddhist cemetery in Japan:
- “O-kaeri nasaimase” (お帰りなさいませ) – This means “Welcome back” and is commonly used to greet visitors to a cemetery.
- “Gokurosama deshita” (ご苦労様でした) – This means “Thank you for your hard work” and is often used to express gratitude to the deceased.
- “Gokuraku jyō” (極楽浄) – This means “Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss” and refers to the Buddhist concept of a paradise where the faithful are reborn after death.
- “Gassho” (合掌) – This means “join hands” and refers to the traditional gesture of placing one’s palms together in front of the chest, often done as a sign of respect or prayer.
- “O-jizo-sama” (お地蔵様) – This means “Lord Jizo,” a popular Buddhist deity who is believed to protect travelers and children, and is often revered in cemeteries.
It is also important to remember to behave respectfully while visiting a cemetery, such as by speaking quietly, removing your shoes if required, and avoiding loud noises or inappropriate behavior.