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..
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 Closed 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.
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