Kodai-ji Temple
高台寺
Exquisite temple built 1606 by Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro) to honor her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Famous for stunning bamboo grove, masterful rock gardens by Kobori Enshu, and spectacular seasonal illuminations blending tradition with modern projection mapping.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- Spectacular seasonal night illuminations and projection mapping
- Beautiful bamboo grove with illuminated paths
- Rock gardens designed by master Kobori Enshu
- Kaizando Hall with wooden statues of Hideyoshi and Nene
- Traditional tea ceremony houses
- Zen meditation garden
- Modern art installations during illuminations
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop (Bus 206) - 5 minutes walk uphill
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 206 to Higashiyama Yasui (15 minutes)
- 2 From Gion-Shijo Station: 10 minute uphill walk through Ninenzaka
- 3 Located on path between Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine
- 4 Perfect to combine with Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, traditional streets
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.000274 135.781402 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Night illuminations during spring cherry (Apr-May), summer (Aug), autumn foliage (Oct-early Dec) - absolutely stunning. Projection mapping shows blend art and tradition. Less crowded than Kiyomizu-dera.
Contact & Info
526 Kodaiji Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Kodai-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Entoku-in Temple
圓徳院
500 yen (combo with Kodai-ji: 900 yen) · 30 minutes (longer during illuminations)
Ryozen Kannon Temple
霊山観音
300 yen · 20-30 minutes
Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine
円山公園
Free · 30-45 minutes (longer during hanami parties)
Yasaka Shrine
八坂神社
Free admission · 30-45 minutes (add time for Maruyama Park or Gion exploration)
Chion-in Temple
知恩院
Temple grounds free, Hojo gardens 400 yen (seasonal), Sanmon gate climb 800 yen (when open) · 1 hour (add 30 minutes for gardens, 30 minutes for Sanmon gate climb)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
清水寺
400 yen adults, 200 yen children (elementary/junior high) · 1.5-2 hours including temple, Jishu Shrine, and approach streets (Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka)