Jizo statues and graves at Okunoin of Mount Koya, a sacred Buddhist site and cemetery. Opened in 835, it houses the mausoleum of Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of esoteric Buddhism, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, East Asia

okunoin jizo statues graves mount koya buddhist cemetery sacred wakayama japan spirituality nature tranquility history shingon esoteric meditation tradition artwork culture red attire religion site ancient landmarks pilgrimage serene landscape stones memorials visitors worship peaceful beliefs outdoor forest heritage enlightenment worshippers mindfulness rituals grave markers spaces cedar trees burial