Take a peaceful, early morning stroll along the Okuno-in Forest Path, the heart of Koyasan (Mt. Koya), one of Japan’s most important centers of Shingon Buddhism. Starting at dawn in the tranquil mountaintop village of Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, this walk navigates the pathway leading through towering cedar forests to Okuno-in, the revered resting place for many of Japan’s famed historical leaders and samurai.

The journey commences before sunrise, with the streets nearly empty except for a solitary monk and a wandering cat, capturing the serene and contemplative atmosphere cherished by visitors and pilgrims alike. The gateway to the Okuno-in cemetery is Ichinohashi, the first bridge that marks the entrance to this sacred area. Okuno-in is renowned for its 2-kilometer path lined by hundreds of thousands of centuries-old graves and tombstones, culminating at the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Koyasan is a popular pilgrimage destination for those interested in Buddhist culture, with many travelers opting to stay overnight at shukubo (temple lodgings) run by monks. These accommodations, originally for pilgrims on the Koyasan pilgrimage route, now also offer unique experiences in meditation and vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine to international tourists seeking spiritual and cultural immersion. May is especially atmospheric, with fresh, misty mornings and the fragrance of cedar in the air.

Okuno-in stands as a testament to Japan’s spiritual heritage, drawing both history enthusiasts and those wishing to commune with nature. The surrounding village of Koyasan boasts additional sites such as Kongobu-ji Temple and Danjo Garan, making it a must-visit area for anyone deeply interested in Japanese culture, religion, and the beauty of the country’s rural mountain landscapes.