I never thought I’d recommend visiting a graveyard, but Adachi Cemetery is one of the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen.
Sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones, and this was certainly the case with my trip to Adachi Cemetery.
I was on my way to climb Mt. Komonji in Kitakyushu when my navigation map told me to pass through this cemetery.
Expecting a small enclosed space with a few gravestones clustered together, I was utterly blown away by the magnificence of Adachi Cemetery.
Bathed By Forests
It was a situation where I began to question what the real highlight of my day would be.
Despite already being behind schedule for my mountain climb, I did not hesitate to take my time soaking in the atmosphere at this grand cemetery.
Countless gravestones could be seen stacked on a steep hill of lush green grass, many of which had creative designs and artistic Japanese calligraphy written on them.
The entire cemetery was surrounded by thick green forests, adding to the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of Adachi Cemetery.
There is something about mother nature and the transience of our mortal lives that seem to go hand-in-hand, and I could not think of a better cemetery setup than what I saw that day.
The Stairway To Heaven?
There is a long pathway that runs between the two sections of the cemetery, leading to a steep staircase.
Quite literally a stairway to heaven, walking up these stairs is quite a surreal experience in and of itself.
Passing through the graves of people who once breathed the same air as you, a feeling of deep understanding begins to take you over as you contemplate the eternal flow of time.
My own take on this setup is the staircase which represents one’s own individual life journey while the gravestones on each side represent the remembrance of death and impermanence of life which we should carry with us at all times.
On a less contemplative note, this staircase is honestly a great spectacle whether you consider yourself a “spiritual” person or not.
Beautiful Mountain View
As you walk up the staircase, be sure to turn around and appreciate the ever-improving view that takes form. The gravestones run along the hill like an army of soldiers charging into battle.
The higher up you go, the more you see the landscape of Kitakyushu City. Behind the concrete jungle are tall misty mountains that overlook everything that the eye can see.
To top it off, a huge chunk of green forest runs alongside the gravestones on the left-hand side, giving you the perfect combination of forest, city, and mountain.
A Perfect Blend
Once you reach the top of the staircase, you will be amazed at how high you actually end up.
At almost equal altitude to the distant mountains ahead, you could pinpoint the exact moments where the mountains transition into forests, forests into city buildings, and city buildings into Adachi Cemetery!
It all seems like a majestic piece of artwork that captures everything life is all about.
From the wonders of mother nature to the glory of man’s empire and finally, to our inevitable yet poetic deaths.
It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say this photo would make an amazing museum painting!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
