Koyasan, 85 kms south of Osaka, is the name of the mountain as well as the temple settlement that is located there, at 3,000 feet up. It was established as a sacred site in 819 and became the focus for the Shingon Buddhist sect, with the Kongobuji Temple as their world headquarters. There are now 100 temples or more on Koyasan; the Okunoin Cemetery which was opened in 835 is also of world renown.

​The cemetery is Japan’s largest, containing over 200,000 graves, many belonging to monks and feudal lords. The modern section hosts corporate mausoleums for founders’ family members (such as the Matsushitas of Panasonic), and honoured company employees. The two-kilometre walk among the tall conifers in dappled light is very atmospheric as you pass countless headstones and vaults. The conifer planting quest to provide shade and an appropriate aesthetic began in 1012. As a popular place of pilgrimage, you can also stay the night in one of the many temples that offer a spiritual experience, to further partake of Koyasan’s mysticism.