Culture
Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination 2024
Formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and located in the Higashiyama Mountains of eastern Kyoto, Kodai-ji Temple was established..
Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji (高台寺) is located northeast of the Yasaka Hokanji Temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains in Kyoto. The official name of the temple is Kodaiji-Jushozenji Temple. In 1606, the temple of Kita-no-Mandokoro was dedicated in memory of her late husband. Kita-no-Mandokoro was also known as nene. The Kaisando (Founder's Hall), Otama-ya (Sanctuary), Kasatei (Tea House), Shiguretei (Tea House), Omotetmon (Gate to the Sanctuary), and Kangetsudai (Moon Viewing Pavilion) are designated as important cultural assets in Japan.
The temple garden is said to have been designed by the landscape gardener Kobori Enshu (1579-1647). The Japanese government has designated the garden as a historic site and a place of scenic beauty.
The interior of the main building was originally painted with lacquer and covered with exquisite gold decorations. However, the current building was rebuilt in 1912 after several fires. Kodai-ji hosts modern art exhibitions in spring and fall. These are set up in the rock garden in front of Houjyo and are creatively illuminated at night.
Overview
Address
526 Shimogawara-cho Kodaiji,Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto,605-0825 Japan (Map) (Directions)Hours
9:00 - 17:00 Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 17:00
Thursday
9:00 - 17:00
Friday
9:00 - 17:00
Saturday
9:00 - 17:00
Sunday
9:00 - 17:00
Holidays
9:00 - 17:00
Website
Highlights
The Temple Gardens
The gardens of Kodaiji are impressive to say the least. One is a rock garden of raked gravel that represents the ocean. The other is a lush garden designated as a historical site and place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
Main Hall
The main hall of Kodaiji was once covered in lacquer and gold. It was rebuilt to be more modest in design after a fire claimed it in 1912. Gardens border the hall on two sides.
Otama-ya
This sanctuary is a special memorial hall enshrining Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Kita-no-Mandokoro (Kodai-in as a nun). The small shrine contains wooden statues of both.
Kodaiji Maki-e
Maki-e is the lacquer technique of sprinkling gold or silver powder on the lacquer while still wet. In the Otama-ya, there are a flight of stairs and small shrines with such beautiful and delicate designs on them. Hanaikada is a Momoyama-Era Important Cultural Property and depicts rafts with flowers upon them, expressing Buddha’s teachings - that everything flows without stopping.
General Amenities
- Prayer rooms
- Information Counter
Facilities
- Cafe
Access
From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Shijo Station, take city bus 207 and get off at Higashiyama Yasui. Kodaiji Shrine is a 7-minute walk from there. From JR Kyoto Station or Kintetsu Kyoto Station, take city bus 206 (Higashiyama direction) and get off at Higashiyama Yasui. Kodaiji Shrine is a 7-minute walk from there. From JR Kyoto Station or Kintetsu Kyoto Station, the shrine is a 15-minute drive by car or taxi.
Upcoming Events
1 upcoming event
Related Articles
10 articles
Historical
Nene and Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto
Takako SakamotoAfter Hideyoshi's death, Nene had Kodaiji Temple built in Kyoto, retiring there as a nun. Not many people know Tokugawa Ie..
Culture
Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination 2024
Formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and located in the Higashiyama Mountains of eastern Kyoto, Kodai-ji Temple was established..
12
Temples & Shrines
Kodai-ji Temple's Lovely Grounds
Larry KnipfingIn 1606, Kita-no-Mandokoro established this temple in memory of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's greatest-ever..
Tanabata and Light-up at Kodai-ji 2025
Colorful display of decorated bamboo branches in the carpark of Kodai-ji in Kyoto to celebrate the festival of Tanabata. The handmade..
12
Temples & Shrines
Kyoto Kodai-ji Temple
Tomoko KamishimaKodai-ji Temple is located at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashi-yama Mountain, south of the famous cherry blossom spot, Maruyama Koe..
7
Fall Lights at Kodai-ji
Illaura RossiterEnjoy the beautiful light displays during fall at Kodai-ji, a Buddhist temple in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto.
7
12
Temples & Shrines
Twilight View of Yasaka-no-to Tower
Tomoko KamishimaKyoto: Beautiful silhouette of Yasaka-no-to Tower above the afterglow of the sunset
Activities
All the Ways of Falling
Bonson LamFall in love all over again this autumn and rediscover the ancient traditions of Momiji-gari, from woodblock prints to Kyoto sweets,..
Culture
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Bonson LamThe Cherry Blossom season in Kyoto starts in late March, and from March 29 to April 14 you can experience its fleeting beauty ..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Kodaiji Temple
Near Kodaiji Temple
Ryokan
Hotel SOWAKA
Enjoy a luxury getaway at Hotel SOWAKA, tucked away in Kyoto's Gion district just moments away from Yasaka Shrine.
Accommodation
Higashiyama-sou Ryokan Kiyomizu
Located at the foot of the eastern mountains and Kiyomizu-dera, this Ryokan really is something else.
Accommodation
Chion-in Wajun-kaikun Hotel
Chionin Wajun-kaikun is in a peaceful area of Kyoto where you can find rest and relaxation for your body and mind.
7
Food
Kyoto Trattoria Minoura
Trattoria Minoura is a small restaurant near Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Their weekday lunch set (1500 yen) is qu..
Food
Japanese Sweets Afternoon Tea 2021
Past EventFor a limited time this summer, The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto is hosting a Japanese Sweets afternoon tea event. There will be a variety..
6
Food
Iyemon Cafe Karasuma Sanjo
The Iyemon Cafe blends the peaceful aura of wabi sabi with modern minimalist chic in Kyoto's Karasuma Sanjo and Oike business..
Culture
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a popular springtime cherry blossom viewing spot. It opened in 1886 and is located next to Yasaka..
Culture
Yasaka Shrine
The Yasaka Cry, located in the Gion district in Kyoto, is often referred to as the Gion Shrine. The shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the city..
Culture
Kenninji
Kennin-ji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near Gion, at the end of Hanami Lane. It is considered to be one of the so-called..