Outline of Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji Temple is a temple of the Rinzai sect located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto. The temple grounds offer a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto and the Higashiyama mountains, and are especially crowded with tourists during the fall foliage season. The historic buildings and gardens, as well as the beautiful autumn leaves, are one of the main attractions of the temple.
History and Origin
Kodaiji Temple was founded in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It was originally a women's temple built by Jimeiin, daughter of Minamoto no Yorimasa, but was later converted to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The temple's name comes from its location on a plateau high above the city of Kyoto. Along with its historical value, Kodaiji Temple is also known for its beautiful garden and autumn foliage.
Gardens and Autumn Foliage
Known as the "Hieizan Enryakuji Garden," Kodaiji's garden includes a stone garden and a pond garden. The garden is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, when the leaves in the garden turn beautiful colors, attracting many tourists. The garden also offers a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto and the Higashiyama mountains, and visitors can enjoy the seasonal changes in the scenery.
Important Cultural Properties
Kodaiji Temple has many buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties. Among them are the Hojo Garden, the Belfry, and the Kuri, which are of great historical value. Inside the buildings, historical paintings and Buddhist statues are preserved and protected as valuable cultural assets.
How to Access
Kodaiji Temple is conveniently accessible by bus or subway from Kyoto City. In particular, it can be reached on foot from the "Kodaiji-michi" bus stop on the Kyoto Municipal Bus. There are many tourist attractions nearby, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, which are worth visiting for tourists.
Impressions of having been there
Kodaiji Temple, located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, is a temple of the Shokokuji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, known for its beautiful garden and autumn leaves. I visited Kodaiji on a beautiful autumn day. The temple grounds were quiet and serene, a place that made me forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Within the precincts of Kodaiji Temple, there are many historical buildings and beautiful gardens. One of the most famous is a garden called "Bonjo-niwa," which is located in the pagoda of Kodaiji Temple. This garden is a magnificent garden with a stone garden, moss garden, and karesansui (dry landscape garden), and during the season of autumn leaves, visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors. Although the time of my visit was not during the season of autumn leaves, I was still impressed by the beauty of the garden.
Kodaiji Temple also has many buildings designated as important cultural properties or national treasures. Particularly famous are the main hall of Kodaiji Temple and the Korori (the inner sanctuary). These buildings are decorated with unique architectural styles and decorations, offering a glimpse into the techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the time.
Kodaiji Temple also has an observatory from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains, which attracts many tourists, especially at night and during the fall foliage season. The view from the observatory is spectacular, and I was able to fully experience the charm of Kyoto.
Kodaiji Temple, with its historical buildings, beautiful garden, and the view from the observatory, was a place where one could fully experience the charms of Kyoto. It is a place where you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery and refresh your body and soul. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to visit Kodaiji Temple as well.