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.

Visit: 1 hour daytime visit, 1.5 hours during illuminations (take time to enjoy)

Entrance: 600 yen adults, 250 yen children (illuminations may require separate ticket)

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (extended to 10:00 PM during special illumination periods)

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

Latitude: 35.000274

Longitude: 135.781402

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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.