Kobo Daishi Legacy

A pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 temples scattered across Shikoku island. With approximately 1,200 years of history, it honors Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The full circuit spans about 1,400 kilometers. Tens of thousands of pilgrims walk the route annually, seeking spiritual enlightenment and salvation.

The Okunoin Cemetery within Koyasan centers on the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Containing approximately 200,000 graves of historical figures and ordinary people, it is a vast burial ground. The approximately 2km path from Chumon Gate to Okunoin, lined with ancient pines, is mystical and is revered as an entrance to the afterlife.

The center of Shingon Buddhism in Wakayama Prefecture's Ito District. Founded by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century. Over 100 temples stand in a basin at approximately 800 meters elevation. Famous for shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at temple lodgings and meditation experiences. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, a sacred site for spiritual training.

The Grand Lantern Hall within Koyasan's Okunoin (Innermost Sanctuary) in Wakayama. Over 10,000 donated lanterns create a phantasmagorical illumination when lit at night. As the final destination in pilgrimage to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, it concentrates the wishes of countless devotees. Offers a unique sacred experience blending traditional pilgrimage ritual with modern lighting.

Koyasan in Wakayama is the sacred center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Temple lodging experiences popular among visitors offer participation in monastic life, including vegetarian cuisine, sutra copying, and meditation. Pilgrimage through the Okunoin cemetery with 100,000 graves is significant. It has become an accessible spiritual learning space for modern practitioners.

The head temple of Shingon Buddhism located in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded by Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago, it remains a pilgrimage destination. The temple preserves ascetic training culture through shukubo (temple lodging) experiences. Its gardens and architecture represent Japan's highest cultural heritage standards.

A roughly 1,200km pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 sacred temples associated with the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku island. The white-robed pilgrims are an iconic sight, with the full walking circuit taking 30 to 60 days. International pilgrims have been increasing in recent years.