Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple 高台寺

Overview

Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple is a fabulous temple atop a bluff in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. It was founded in 1606 C.E. in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the great shogun.

Kodaiji is located in the best preserved area of Kyoto, not far from Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka, and just above the Path of Nene.

It belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and boasts gorgeous interiors and lovely Zen gardens.

Behind the temple on a hill is a mausoleum for Hideyoshi and Nene, his wife (and for whom the beautiful street is named). The interior is decorated with lacquerwork that is designed with powdered gold and silver. A bit farther up the hill are two tea houses, one designed by the tea master Sen no Rikyu.

Kodaiji is home to quite a few objects designated as Important Cultural Assets. The Main Gate and the Spirit Hall, for example, are well known for the use of makie, whichi is lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder.

For those riding to the temple, parking will be on the Path of Nene. At the busiest times of year, it may be necessary to park a bit farther afield.

Relevant Routes

Kodaiji Temple is on the Kiyomizu Temple to Chionin Temple Route. 

Address

526 Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0825
Tel: 075 561 9966

Hours

9:00 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00); 600 yen (Kodaiji and Sho Museum) 900 yen (Kodaiji, Sho Museum and Entokuin; 1000 yen from mid December to late March).

Map

Kodaiji Temple Map

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