Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kodaiji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple located on a hill near Gion in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, and was founded in 1606 (Keicho 11) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Kita no Mandokoro (Nene), to pray for the soul of Hideyoshi. Located along Nene's Road, which has a deep connection to Hideyoshi and Nene, the temple is a place that strongly retains the tea ceremony and garden culture from the Edo period onwards, as well as the historical atmosphere of Kyoto.
Its distinctive features include a strolling garden with a pond said to have been created by Kobori Enshu, elegant teahouses (Kasatei and Shiguretei), and a mausoleum (a building dedicated to Hideyoshi and Nene).In addition, nighttime viewing (illumination), in which the gardens and approach to the temple are lit up in the spring and autumn, is popular, and it is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.
Highlights
- Otamaya: A mausoleum that enshrines the memorial tablets of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Nene. It is a place where you can feel the luxurious decorations and remnants of Momoyama culture.
- Hojo Garden (strolling garden with a pond): A beautiful strolling garden with a pond at its center. You can enjoy the scenery throughout the seasons, and it is especially worth seeing during the autumn foliage and fresh greenery seasons.
- Kasatei and Shiguretei: These uniquely designed tea houses convey the tea culture of the Momoyama and Edo periods to the present day. Their exteriors and architectural styles are also attractive.
- Stroll around the grounds of Kodaiji Temple: Enjoy a stroll through the ancient capital's charm, including the stone-paved approach to the temple, "Nene no Michi," and the narrow alleys in the garden.
- Nighttime illuminations: The illuminations held in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (autumn leaves) are especially popular. The sight of the gardens and old buildings lit up in light makes for great photos.
- Art Exhibition/Separate Exhibition Room: Crafts and paintings from the temple's collection are sometimes displayed, allowing visitors to experience Buddhist art and Momoyama culture (special exhibitions change from time to time).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Keihan Railway's Gion-Shijo Station or Hankyu Railway's Kawaramachi Station, about a 15-20 minute walk (there may be slopes and stone steps depending on the terrain).
- City bus: From Kyoto Station, take city buses 100 and 206, get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Higashiyamayasui, then walk for about 5-10 minutes.
- Taxi: Approximately 15-25 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station (depending on traffic conditions). It is conveniently located on the sightseeing route to Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- Walking route: Many tourists visit from the direction of Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka (Sannenzaka), making it easy to combine this route with other walks around the surrounding area.
- Please note: The temple is located on a slope on high ground, and there are many stairs and slopes within the grounds, so it may be difficult to move around in some areas with a stroller or wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short (viewing only): Approximately 30-45 minutes — for a quick look at the main sights and gardens.
- Standard (leisure viewing): Approximately 60-90 minutes - If you want to take your time to look at the exterior and exhibits of the Hojo Garden, Mausoleum, and Tea House.
- Night illumination: Approximately 60-120 minutes — It may take longer than usual due to crowds and photography.
Nearby spots
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (approximately 10-15 minutes walk) — A World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most popular tourist destinations.
- Gion and Yasaka Shrine (approximately 5-10 minutes walk) — Enjoy the charm of traditional townscapes and festivals.
- Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka (Sannenzaka) — A stone-paved souvenir street lined with teahouses and Japanese goods stores.
- Kodaiji Park/Nene no Michi - Walking paths and photo spots dotted around the park.
- Cafes and Japanese sweet shops around Kenninji Temple and Gion - This area has many restaurants that you can stop by in between sightseeing.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets especially crowded during the autumn foliage season, spring cherry blossom season, and the nighttime illumination period. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going early in the morning on a weekday.
- Admission Fees and Opening/Closing Times: Admission fees, opening and closing times, and whether or not nighttime viewing is available vary depending on the season and the year, so please check the official website or tourist information beforehand for the latest information.
- Photography etiquette: There are areas within the temple grounds and buildings where photography is prohibited. Please follow the signs and refrain from using flash or tripods on exhibits or inside the temple.
- Footing and Clothing: The temple grounds have many stone steps and slopes, so please wear comfortable shoes. Be careful when it rains as the grounds can be slippery.
- Quietness and etiquette: Temples are religious facilities. Please be considerate of other worshippers by refraining from loud conversations, eating and drinking within the grounds, or leaving trash behind.
- Wheelchairs and strollers: There are steps and stairs from the entrance to parts of the temple grounds, so the temple is not fully barrier-free. If you require wheelchairs or strollers, please inquire in advance.
Finally, Kodaiji Temple is a temple where you can enjoy the charm of being a "stage of history" and the natural beauty of each season. As there are many famous places in the surrounding area, it is recommended to visit it in addition to strolling around Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. Please check the official website for the latest information on visits and illuminations before heading out.
