The Kaisan-do hall view from the main hall at Kodaiji temple

Kodaiji, one of the greatest temple in Kyoto. It’s located up on the hill above the Gion district. It’s very quiet and always get some wind that you really enjoy during hot summer days! It was established in 1605 by the noblewoman “Nene” (Kita-no-Mandokoro) in memory of her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598).
Kodaiji gives a very good representation of Japanese architecture and Zen Buddhism with exquisite craftsmanship and Japanese gardens.

Zen Garden at Kodaiji

The garden was redesigned by the well known architect Kobori Ensyu (1579-1647). The garden is particularly famous for its stone layout. It is said that the in the south section a group of stones represents a crane and in the north section, in the pond an island has the shape of a turtle; however I guess this depends on everyone’s imagination. Personally I couldn’t see the crane or the turtle !

The Iho-an tea ceremony house

The Iho-an is a tea ceremony room. This house and the Onigawara-seki (two other tea houses located on the top of the hill) are good examples of the design of the Kodaiji.

Bamboo grove at Kodaiji

Down from the hill, visitors pass throw a bamboo grove, another typical element of Japanese gardens.

Looking for a good place to stay near the Kodaiji:
Ryokan Motonago: www.JapaneseGuestHouses.com/db/kyoto/motonago.htm
Tamahan: www.JapaneseGuestHouses.com/db/kyoto/tamahan.htm
Rikiya: www.JapaneseGuestHouses.com/db/kyoto/rikiya.htm