Okunoin, Koyasan
UNESCO World Heritage
高野山 奥之院
Okunoin is the most sacred area of Koyasan, home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the monk who founded Shingon Buddhism. Legend says he is still in eternal meditation there. In front of the mausoleum stands Torodo Hall, the Hall of Lanterns, named for its more than 20,000 lanterns. The area is very quiet, especially in the evening.
Visitor information
- Getting there
From Koyasan Station, take a bus to the Okunoin-mae stop, or get off at Ichi-no-hashi-guchi to walk the full approach.
- Time needed
You can explore the area in a few hours.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- Near the mausoleum, food, drink and photography are not allowed.
- Visitors cannot enter the mausoleum itself.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The cobbled path to Okunoin passes more than 200,000 mossy gravestones and memorials.
- An Okunoin Night Tour leaves from Ekoin Temple every evening except the 20th of the month, letting you see Okunoin without the daytime crowds.
- Temple lodgings on Koyasan serve shojin ryori, a vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
- At temple lodgings, guests are encouraged but not required to take part in the monks' spiritual practices.
- Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
- Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
- Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Wakayama and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Wakayama
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:47
- Sunrise06:22
- Dhuhr11:45
- Asr14:41
- Maghrib17:03
- Isha18:28
Times are calculated for Wakayama City. Times may differ elsewhere in Wakayama.
Places to pray near Okunoin, Koyasan
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Okunoin, Koyasan
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Photo: Naokijp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): japan.travel