Kodaiji Temple

Kodai-ji is a temple of the Rinzai school (Kennin-ji branch) in Kyoto’s Gion area, founded by Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for Hideyoshi’s repose. It is also known as “Nene’s Temple.” It is said to have been lavish in its early days, supported by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main garden is a strolling pond garden attributed to Kobori Enshu, and the temple’s highlight is the Otamaya (mausoleum) on elevated ground where Hideyoshi and Nene are enshrined. The Otamaya contains splendid Momoyama-period maki-e lacquer decorations on its stairs and shrine fittings, known collectively as “Kodai-ji maki-e,” which can also be viewed at the adjoining Kodai-ji Sho Museum. In autumn, the approach and gardens are colored by bush clover, creating a gentle atmosphere befitting a temple founded by a woman. Beyond sightseeing, the temple offers activities such as zazen and tea ceremony experiences, as well as special tea gatherings. Seasonal night illuminations are held in spring and autumn, allowing visitors to enjoy the gardens under moonlight. The route from Kiyomizu-dera to Kodai-ji via Sannen-zaka is lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and traditional sweets stores.