Consider a nighttime visit for a completely different atmosphere, though be aware that the Torodo Hall and offering halls close at 5 PM, so you'll experience the cemetery under moonlight without access to the main worship spaces.
At a Glance
Kobo Daishi isn't buried here, he's believed to be in eternal meditation, waiting for Miroku Buddha. Pilgrims have visited for over 1,200 years hoping he'll grant them salvation while he waits.
The Banryūtei rock garden spans 2,340 square meters with 140 granite stones arranged as two dragons emerging from clouds. It's Japan's largest rock garden, completed in the modern era.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Same as opening hours
Regular
Facilities
Consider a nighttime visit for a completely different atmosphere, though be aware that the Torodo Hall and offering halls close at 5 PM, so you'll experience the cemetery under moonlight without access to the main worship spaces.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours if you want to walk the traditional 2-kilometer approach from Ichinohashi Bridge through the cemetery, or choose the shorter 1-kilometer route from Okunoin-mae bus stop if time is limited.
Bring coins (yen) if you want to make offerings at the Mizumuke Jizo statues or throw water on them as a memorial practice, and wear shoes you can walk in comfortably for extended periods since the cemetery paths are unpaved and can be uneven.
Part of the Kongobu-ji complex.
Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan
Koya · Temple
Not confirmed
More ways to continue from this place.
Discount passes that cover getting here and around.
Required in addition to the base fare unless that direction's reserved seat is included in your ticket. The World Heritage upgrade covers outward Koya only.
Buy passFor visitors who need several bus rides without an existing bus-inclusive ticket.
Buy passOptional sightseeing train. Check its operating calendar and reserve a specific departure. Dining plans are separate products with different inclusions.
Buy passPay as you go; add your actual bus rides. A pass is not automatically the cheapest choice.
Buy passKoya, Wakayama Prefecture
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Plan at least two to three hours for the traditional 2-kilometer walk from Ichinohashi Bridge through the cemetery. If you are short on time, start at Okunoin-mae bus stop for a shorter 1-kilometer route. The cemetery can also be visited at night for a different atmosphere, but Torodo Hall and the offering halls close at 5 PM, leaving you to explore under moonlight without access to the main worship spaces.
Wear comfortable shoes, as some paths are unpaved and uneven. Bring yen coins if you wish to make offerings at the Mizumuke Jizo statues or pour water over them as a memorial practice.
CGChristopher Gillespie shared a goshuin
CGChristopher Gillespie checked in
Serene setting. Felt very tranquil
Okuno-in
Koya, Wakayama
