Aug. 18, 2020 UPDATE
Kodai-ji Temple
- 高台寺 -Traveler Friendly
There are brochures in English at the entrance.
The tourist information center is alongside the Nene-no-michi (street), which is next to the Daidokoro slope that leads to the entrance of the temple.
A free map in English of the area around the temple is offered.
Information
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and more
(around 10 languages are available)
Languages spoken
Japanese Only
Story & Recommendation
See a traditional Japanese garden in the Gion area
Kodai-ji Temple is located between the popular sightseeing spots of Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. It was established in 1606 by a noble woman called Nene to mourn her husband Hideyoshi, a famous samurai general who was one of the unifiers of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1603). Kodai-ji Temple is well known for its beautiful Japanese garden, with its ponds and numerous historical structures carefully placed throughout. It is open at night during special periods of the year and the garden illuminated for you to enjoy a magical landscape.
1Highlight
Kaizan-do
The founder’s hall called Kaisan-do, is dedicated to the memory of its first priest. Hideyoshi and Nene’s personal belongings have been incorporated into the structure. The black latticework ceiling used to be the ceiling of Hideyoshi’s private ship, and the flower-patterned ceiling was part of Nene’s court carriage.
2Highlight
Nighttime show
The temple grounds are lit up at night for periods of time during the year. The 3D projection mapping show in the rock garden of the main hall is especially worth seeing. In spring, visitors can enjoy both the projection mapping show and the beautiful landscape featuring a breathtaking cherry blossom tree.
3Good Experiences
Compare the Kasa-tei and the Shigure-tei with the Other Tea Houses
Two unique tea ceremony houses are located on the hillside of the temple grounds. Both were designed by the eminent tea master Sen-no-Rikyu and moved here from Momoyama Castle. Compare them with the other tea houses on the premises.
