Japan's Most Beautiful Graveyard

Awe-inspiring walk through Okunoin at Koyasan

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The entrance to the tomb of a feudal lord. With its own torii (gate) it feels like you are entering the actual tomb—quite a weird feeling I have to admit. It must be a very old site, especially the torii is showing clear signs of aging.

There are thousands of statues, nestled between huge cedar trees, and they are all pretty unique.

An single, pretty well-defined and neatly arranged tomb.

The lanterns play another important role on this graveyard. They come in all sizes and slighty different shapes, often with a soft cover of moss.

Could anything be more peaceful?

This one reminded me a bit of heaven's gate. I don't think you can find two tombs that resemble each other in appearance.

I had never paid particular attention to graveyards—until I went to Japan. I am not sure what it is, but I really like them. Okunoin at Koyasan is surely the most impressive cemetery I have ever seen. With over 200,000 tombstones spread along an almost 2 km long path, in the middle of a dense forest, it is the largest graveyard in Japan and probably the most important one. Go early in the morning, before everybody else goes, to soak up the mystic atmosphere. The photos are just a selection of my favorite spots, and I hope they inspire you as much as they inspired me.