Nestled in the eastern foothills of Kyoto, Kodaiji Temple is one of the most prominent Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. With its tranquil gardens, stunning architecture, and rich history, Kodaiji Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage.
A Brief History of Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji Temple was founded in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro, the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous warlords. After her husband’s death, Kita-no-Mandokoro dedicated herself to the construction of a temple in his honour. Kodaiji was built on the site of a former temple. It was designed to be a place of refuge for all those seeking peace and spiritual solace.
Over the centuries, Kodaiji Temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations. However, it has always maintained its original purpose as a sanctuary for the soul. Today, it is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors from all over the world come to marvel at its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
The Unique Architecture of Kodaiji Temple
One of the most striking features of Kodaiji Temple is its unique blend of architectural styles. The temple’s main hall, or hondo, is a prime example of Momoyama architecture. It became prominent in Japan in the late 16th century. The hondo has a steeply sloping roof, decorative gables, and intricate wood carvings.
Another notable feature of Kodaiji Temple is its tsuji-ura, a secret passage that runs beneath the temple’s main hall. The passage was used by Kita-no-Mandokoro to secretly meet with her lover, the famous tea master Sen no Rikyu.
In addition to the hondo and tsuji-ura, Kodaiji Temple also features a stunning Zen garden. It was designed by renowned landscape architect Kobori Enshu. The garden features a large pond, several waterfalls, and a variety of carefully placed rocks and trees. All of these are designed to create a sense of harmony and balance.
The Serenity of Kodaiji Temple’s Gardens
One of the main reasons that Kodaiji Temple is so popular among visitors is its beautiful gardens. The temple’s gardens are designed to be a place of peace and tranquillity. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature.
Hojo Garden
The most famous garden at Kodaiji Temple is Hojo Garden, which is located behind the temple’s main hall. The garden features a large pond surrounded by a variety of plants and trees, including Japanese maples, azaleas, and cherry trees. In the centre of the pond lies a small island connected to the shore by a stone bridge. It is worth visiting in spring to see the cherry blossoms.
Hojo Garden is particularly beautiful during the autumn months when the leaves of the Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Illumination events take place every year at this time, so autumn is also worth a visit!
Kaizan-do Garden
Another popular garden at Kodaiji Temple is Kaizan-do Garden, which is located to the left of the temple’s main hall. This garden is designed to represent the Pure Land, a Buddhist concept of an idealised realm of enlightenment. The garden features a small pond surrounded by white gravel, representing the clouds of the Pure Land. Several small islands also represent the mountains and islands of the mythical realm.
Kaizan-do Garden also features a small tea house, where visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The tea house is built in the sukiya-zukuri style, a simple and rustic architectural style that is often associated with the tea ceremony.
Bamboo Grove
Kodaiji Temple also features a bamboo grove, which is located to the north of the temple’s main hall. The bamboo grove is a peaceful and serene place, where visitors can stroll along the winding paths and admire the tall and slender bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze. The bamboo grove is particularly beautiful during the summer months when the leaves of the bamboo create a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
How to get there
Kodaiji Temple is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, which is easily accessible by public transportation. The temple is about a 15-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or a 20-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.
If you prefer to take a bus, several bus routes stop near the temple, including the number 206, 207, and 100 buses. The closest bus stop is Higashiyama Yasui, which is about a 5-minute walk from the temple.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and cycle to the temple. There are several bike rental shops located near Gion-Shijo Station, and cycling is a great way to explore Kyoto’s narrow streets and alleyways.
Once you arrive at Kodaiji Temple, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the temple grounds. The admission fee is 600 yen for adults and 250 yen for children. The ticket includes entry to the temple’s main hall, as well as access to the gardens and other buildings on the temple grounds.
There are some other interesting temples in this area as well, such as Ryozen Kannon: The giant sitting Buddha statue overlooking Kyoto and Kiyomizu-dera.
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