Kōya-san is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan, center of Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. It’s founder, the monk Kūkai, is buried at Okunoin cemetery containing over 200,000 graves – some are 1000 years old, some quite recent. Thousands of pilgrims journey to Kukai’s (also known as Kobo Dashi) mausoleum and Okunoin cemetery. Visiting Okunoin is an unforgettable experience, especially during the autumn leaves period (koya).