The body of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered figures in the religious history of Japan, is enshrined at Okunoin, the largest cemetery in the country. Legend has it that Kobo Daishi is not dead, but is resting in eternal meditation as he awaits Miroku Nyorai (Maihreya), the Buddha of the Future, and in the meantime, provides relief to those who ask for salvation.

Okunoin is one of the most sacred places in Japan and a popular pilgrimage spot. To get there, visitors can follow a cobbled path lined with ancient cedar trees and tributes to some iconic figures in Japan’s history. Before crossing the Ichi-no-hashi Bridge and entering the sacred grounds of Okuno-in, visitors are expected to bow as a sign of respect to Kobo Daishi.