An overnight stay on Mt. Koya, a large mountain Buddhist temple settlement near Osaka, was one of my favorite moments during my trip to Japan. A notable highlight photographed here: the Okunoin Cemetery. Dating back to 835, the large cemetery contains over 200,000 tombstones amidst towering cedar trees. A walk through this site feels sacred, peaceful, and visually stunning. Jizo statues throughout the cemetery are believed to watch over children who have passed and are often adorned with red hats and bibs – a protective color against evil and illness.

Okunoin was certainly the most unique and atmospheric cemetery I’ve ever visited.