About Koudaiji(Temple)

Kodaiji Temple, located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, is a temple of the Kenninji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, founded in 1606 by Kitamasasho (Nene), the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its history, beautiful garden, and rich cultural heritage attract visitors.

First of all, the most significant feature of Kodaiji Temple is its historical background. This temple was built by Kita Masasho to mourn the loss of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it is filled with her deep love and prayers. The temple grounds are an interesting place for history buffs, as Kita Masasho's belongings and letters are on display. It was also her residence during her later years, and its influence can still be felt today.

One of the attractions of Kodaiji Temple is its beautiful garden. There are two types of gardens: a pond garden and a karesansui (dry landscape) garden. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in fall, the beautifully colored autumn leaves attract many tourists. The garden's "Bastoretsu Pond" named for the reflection of the moon on the surface of the pond, offers a richly elegant view.

The grounds are also dotted with tea houses, such as the "Santei" and "Shiguretei" both associated with Sen no Rikyu, and offer visitors a taste of the history and culture of the tea ceremony. These tearooms are the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony culture. Kodaiji Temple actually hosts tea ceremony experiences and tea ceremonies, allowing visitors to experience the culture firsthand.

Another highlight of Kodaiji Temple is the lighting of the temple. Especially in the fall and spring, the garden and buildings are fantastically lit up, offering a different beauty from that of the daytime. The autumn leaves and cherry blossoms seen in the silence of the night leave an unforgettable impression on visitors.

Kodaiji Temple is also attractive for its location. It is close to the adjacent Entokuin Temple and Kodaiji Park, as well as to the charming areas of Kyoto such as Yasaka-no-to, Nichinen-zaka, and Sannen-zaka, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. Kodaiji Temple is a fascinating sightseeing spot with its history, beautiful garden, teahouses, and seasonal lighting. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to visit Kodaiji Temple and enjoy its charms.