Okunoin Maoden

Welcome to Okunoin, the spiritual climax of Mount Koya and the most hallowed ground in Shingon Buddhism. As we stand here at the entrance, you are stepping into a landscape that transcends the boundary between the living and the…

As we proceed along the winding path of Okunoin, you will frequently encounter stone monuments composed of five distinct shapes stacked upon one another. These are known as Gorinto, or five-layered stupas, and they are…

Dotted along our route, you will see numerous small statues of a figure with a shaved head, often wearing red bibs or hats. This is Jizo Bosatsu, one of the most beloved deities in Japanese Buddhism. …

We have arrived at a significant gathering of statues known as the Mizu-muke Jizo, or the Water-Squirting Jizo. This area serves as a focal point for pilgrims before they cross the final bridge into the most sacred inner precinct. …

Before us lies the Gobyobashi Bridge, a simple stone structure that marks the entrance to the innermost sanctuary of Okunoin. This bridge spans the Tamagawa River, which is considered a boundary between our world and the pure…

Rising before you is the Torodo, or the Hall of Lanterns. This is the main hall of worship in Okunoin, and it is a sight of breathtaking beauty. …

Located directly behind the Torodo is the Kobo Daishi Mausoleum, the ultimate destination of our journey. This is the Maoden, the simple wooden structure where Kobo Daishi is believed to have entered eternal meditation, or Nyujo,…

As we begin our walk back toward the entrance, take a moment to integrate the experiences of today. Mount Koya is more than a destination; it is a profound immersion into a world-view where the spiritual and the material are…