Kodaiji Temple Kyoto

Kodaiji Temple Kyoto

Kodai-ji Temple is one of the most striking temples in the Higashiyama Mountains of Kyoto. This temple is also known as the Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and was established in 1605 by the noblewoman Kita-no-Mandokoro to commemorate the memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-98). Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a brave warrior and great political leader and his wife Nene heartbroken, at losing her husband dedicated this temple to him.

The construction of the Kodai-ji Temple's was completed with extensive financial aid from Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hideyoshi's Chief Vassal and a later Shogun of Japan. The immense sums of money invested in the construction of this temple resulted in creation of a monument revered worldwide for its exquisite design and intricate craftsmanship. In 1624 Sanko Joeki the head priest of Kenninji Temple, was nominated as the founding priest, and Kodai-ji Temple has since then been one of Kenninji Temple’s largest and most important sub-temples.

Kodai-ji Temple was devastated in a series of fires after 1789, and out of its original buildings the only ones that survived are the Otama-ya, Kaisan-do, Kogetsudai, Kasa-tei, and Shigure-tei etc. Thankfully, though, these structures are in excellent condition and have been preserved so well that they have all been designated Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese Government.

In 1588 Nene or Kita-no-Mandokoro was honored with the highest rank of nobility by Emperor Goyozei and in 1603 was granted the honorary title of Kodai-in. The name of this temple is derived from this very title granted to Nene. According to the customs followed by the women of the nobility in those days, she became a Buddhist nun after the demise of her husband and assumed the religious name Kogestu-ni. She died at the age of 76 on September 6, 1624.

The North Garden of Kodai-ji Temple (Kita-teien) was originally built at Fushimi castle and was transferred to Kyoto from Fushimi after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The work of building the temple Kodai-in began in 1603 with the landscaping and garden work being done two years later. The temple was rechristened Kodaiji in 1606. Entokuin, built in 1627, is actually a sub-temple of the Kodaiji complex, located across the street. The narrow street that passes between Entokuin and Kodaiji is still referred to as Nene Street.

The Kodaiji temple is famous for its exhibits of intricate gold-relief lacquer-ware called Maki-e. The art of lacquering native to Japan is the technique of drawing gold or silver pictures on various kinds of surfaces including wood. The Otama-ya in Kodaiji-temple houses the very lacquered works that took the Europeans by a storm back then and have been hailed as historically and globally unparalleled pieces interior décor art.

Other than the beautifully designed temple halls, Kodaiji also offers a small bamboo grove and a landscape garden with tea houses, designed by famous contemporary artists. The tea houses are named rather poetically. One is called Kasa-tei or umbrella bower and Shigure-tei or drizzling rain house.

Beautiful, Zen style illumination shows are held in Kodaiji's garden during certain times of the year and the whole temple complex lit up at night with the Higashiyama at the background is a breathtaking sight to behold.

The Kodaiji temple is not just beautiful and aesthetically pleasant but has intriguing history behind its lacquered walls. Don’t miss out!

Hotels in Kyoto
Hotel Ana	Hotel Tokyu
Hotel Royal	Hotel Righa Royal
Hotel Aranvert	Hotel Court

Book Kyoto hotels now