Okunoin is a cemetery and sacred area that extends about 2km from the Ichinohashi bridge to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.
The path is lined on both sides by hundreds of centuries-old towering cedar trees.
Among the trees are over 200,000 gravestones and memorial pagodas for people ranging from important figures to commoners.

Okunoin and Danjo Garan are considered the most sacred areas of Koyasan.
The name Garan is derived from Sanskrit, and means a quiet and secluded place where Buddhist monks may train.
The Garan is where Kobo Daishi actually began construction himself in the early years of Koyasan’s history.
In 819 the guards, Niutsuhime and Karibamyojin were enshrined here.
In addition the construction of Great Stupa, the golden hall and many other buildings had begun during Kobo Daish’s lifetime.
The path leading to the Danjo Garan from the east is illuminated at night, and in autumn the maple leaves here are beautiful.

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (the Shojin Ryori ) originates in China, and adapted to Japan by monks throughout the years.
In accordance with Buddhist teachings, the vegetarian meal is made by the delicate enhancement of a natural taste, the use of limited ingredients as well as the nonuse of meat.
It is based on the concept of five flavors, five cooking methods and five colors.
A meal should include a grilled dish, a deep-fried dish, a pickled dish, a tofu dish and a soup dish.
Sesame Tofu ( Goma dofu ) is Koyasan’s highly nutritious foods containing precious protein, and is served up very often at the restaurants and Shukubo temple.
You may choose vegan restaurant by lunch price ( 1500 yen - 6000 yen for one person )

Kongobuji is the administrative head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism.
The temple was founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi Kukai.
Originally the entire area of Koyasan was known as Kogobuji and there was no specific building by that name.
In 1593, Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI built Seiganji temple and Mokujiki OGO built Kozanji temple next to Seiganji temple.
The building now called Kongobuji was combined in 1869 from those two temples.
The temple contains beautiful screen paintings and Japan's largest rock garden, the Banryutei.