Kodai-ji Temple

Kodai-ji is one of Kyoto's most beautiful and atmospheric Zen temples, a serene complex in the historic Higashiyama district, founded in 1606 by Nene (also known as Kita-no-Mandokoro) in memory of her late husband, the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The temple is celebrated for its exquisite gardens, designed by the master Kobori Enshu, which include a tranquil pond garden, raked sand gardens, and a serene bamboo grove, all set against the wooded hillside. It's also renowned for its refined 'maki-e' lacquerwork (gold-decorated lacquer) in the mausoleum, considered among the finest of its era.

Kodai-ji is especially famous for its spectacular seasonal night-time illuminations in spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (maple leaves), when the gardens are lit and reflected in the pond. Set among the lanes of Higashiyama, it combines easily with Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and the historic streets nearby. Allow an hour to wander the gardens and halls; visit during an illumination period for an unforgettable experience.

Don't miss

• Gardens designed by master Kobori Enshu
• A tranquil pond garden and bamboo grove
• Exquisite gold maki-e lacquerwork
• Spectacular spring and autumn night illuminations
• Its setting in historic Higashiyama

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Kodai-ji Temple

Cheapest way inKyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour4.9★ · 3,001 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →Best full dayPrivate Kyoto Tour: Temples, Hidden Alleys & Local Stories4.9★ · 1,638 travelers2–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$100 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleNara Todaiji Kasuga Taisha Private Full Day Tour From Kyoto4.9★ · 18 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$195 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Visit during the spring or autumn night illuminations if you can.
• The gardens were designed by the master Kobori Enshu.
• It's in Higashiyama, combine with Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine.
• Don't miss the famous gold maki-e lacquerwork.

A bit of history

Kodai-ji was established in 1606 by Nene, widow of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as a temple to honour his memory. Affiliated with the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, it was richly endowed (with support from Tokugawa Ieyasu) and became famed for its gardens and lacquer art.