About Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kennin-ji school located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. It was founded in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro (Nene), the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to commemorate Hideyoshi. Its official name is “Kodai Jushō Zen-ji.” At the time of its founding, it flourished as a magnificent temple with the support of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Currently, it is designated as a National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, and is known for its valuable cultural assets that convey Momoyama culture and its beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Founder’s Hall and Mausoleum
The Founder’s Hall is a hall dedicated to Zen Master San’e Shōeki, the founder of Kodai-ji Temple, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Inside, a wooden statue of the Zen master is enshrined, and the dragon painting on the ceiling is by the Kano school.
The Mausoleum is a shrine housing wooden statues of Hideyoshi and Nene, and its interior lacquer decoration is a masterpiece of the Momoyama period known as “Kodaiji Lacquerware.” The gold lacquer work on the altar and shrine still shines brightly even after more than 400 years.
Gardens of the Garyu Pond and Engetsu Pond
This strolling garden with a pond, said to have been created by Kobori Enshu, is designated as a national historic site and place of scenic beauty. Garyu Pond is named for its shape resembling a reclining dragon, and Engetsu Pond is an elegant crescent-shaped pond.
The Garyu Corridor, connecting the Founder’s Hall and the Mausoleum, is a covered corridor that curves like the back of a dragon, adding a unique accent to the garden’s landscape.
Tea Rooms “Kasatei” and “Shiguretei”
Kasatei (Important Cultural Property) is a tea room named for its bamboo-framed ceiling that resembles an open umbrella. It is said to have been designed by Sen no Rikyu and preserves the tea ceremony culture of the Momoyama period.
Shiguretei (Important Cultural Property) is a two-story tea room connected to the Kasatei (umbrella pavilion) by an earthen-floored corridor. It is believed to have been relocated from Fushimi Castle by Hideyoshi, and is a simple yet refined space.
Seasonal Illuminations
Kodaiji Temple offers special nighttime viewings in spring (mid-March to early May) and autumn (mid-October to early December).
- Spring Illumination: The weeping cherry blossoms are fantastically illuminated, and the sight of their shadows reflected on the white sand in the Hojo (abbot’s quarters) garden is breathtaking.
- Autumn Illumination: The autumn leaves are reflected in the pond, and the addition of the latest projection mapping creates a fantastical space.
Viewing is possible from sunset until 9:30 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM), with a daytime and nighttime viewing system.
Points to Note When Visiting
Visiting Hours and Fees
- Regular Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
- Special Nighttime Visiting Hours: After sunset – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)
- Admission Fee: Adults 600 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 250 yen (Same price for nighttime visits)
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 40-60 minutes
Recommended Visiting Route
- Visit the main image of Shakyamuni Buddha in the Hojo and admire the Hashin-tei Garden.
- Stroll around the Garyu-ike area to the Kaisando Hall.
- Cross the Garyu-ro corridor and visit the mausoleum.
- Walk along the bamboo grove path while viewing the Engetsu-ike pond.
- Experience the world of tea ceremony at the Kasatei and Shiguretei tea houses.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) are relatively less crowded.
- During the illumination period, the best times to visit are right after the start (30 minutes after sunset) and just before the end (after 8:30 PM).
- Weekends during the peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are extremely crowded, so weekday visits are recommended.
Benefits
Kodai-ji Temple is known for its blessings of matchmaking and marital harmony. This stems from the deep bond between Hideyoshi and Nene, who remained devoted to Hideyoshi until her death at the age of 77. Many visitors come to pray for successful relationships and marital harmony.
Furthermore, because Nene spent her later years at Kodai-ji Temple and lived a long life, it is also believed to offer blessings of health and longevity.
Access
Access by Train and Bus
From Kyoto Station
- Take Kyoto City Bus Route 206 and get off at “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop. 7-minute walk (approx. 30 minutes total).
- Take Kyoto City Bus Route 100 and get off at “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop. 7-minute walk (approx. 25 minutes total).
From Keihan Railway
- Get off at “Gion Shijo Station” and walk 15 minutes.
- Get off at “Kiyomizu Gojo Station” and walk 20 minutes.
From Hankyu Railway
- Get off at “Kawaramachi Station” and walk 20 minutes.
Access by Car
Kodaiji Temple does not have its own parking lot. You will need to use nearby paid parking lots (approx. 600-800 yen per hour). However, the Higashiyama area has narrow roads and is often congested, so we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Entoku-in Temple (A sub-temple of Kodai-ji Temple, 1 minute walk)
- Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple, 5 minute walk)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (15 minute walk)
- Yasaka Shrine (10 minute walk)
- **Nene-no-michi (A charming cobblestone path, right next door)
Basic Information
- Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: 075-561-9966
- Official Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/
- Sect: Rinzai Zen Kennin-ji School
- Founded: Keicho 11 (1606)
- Founder: Kita-no-Mandokoro (Nene)
- Cultural Properties: Important Cultural Properties (Founder’s Hall, Mausoleum, Umbrella Pavilion, Shiguretei Pavilion, etc.), Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty (Garden)
