Kodai-ji Temple

The basics

Kodai-ji covers a large area and contains many elements. These include the main hall–once covered in gold and lacquer but rebuilt more simply after a fire in the early 20th century–as well as plant and rock gardens, a memorial hall, the mausolea, two teahouses, and a bamboo grove. The interiors of the buildings are richly decorated with makie lacquerware, and the gardens reflect a classic Zen style.

Visitors can visit Kodai-ji independently to browse the complex or come on a guided tour, as some Kyoto city tours include Kodai-ji on the itinerary. To ensure a stop at Kodai-ji on a guided tour, take a private tour of Kyoto that allows travelers to choose their own sites of interest.

Things to know before you go

• There is an admission fee to the temple and grounds, which includes entry to the nearby Sho Museum.

• Students get reduced entry, while school students are free.

• Make sure not to walk on the raked stone garden–this is not a path but a carefully designed formal garden.

How to get there

Kodai-ji can be reached by a combination of train and bus. Take bus number 207 from Hankyu Kawaramachi or Keihan Shijo stations. Alternatively, take bus number 206 from JR Kyoto or Kintetsu Kyoto stations. Either way, get off the bus at Higashiyama Yasui and walk east for around 7 minutes to reach the temple. Reaching Kodai-ji by private vehicle is discouraged because of the narrow entrance to the temple and the lack of parking spaces.

When to get there

The temple is open every day of the week, from mid-morning until early evening. Last admissions are 30 minutes before closing time, but most travelers will want more than this to look around. Come in spring (mid-March to early May), the first 18 days in August, or autumn (late October to early December) to enjoy the evening illumination of the temple buildings and gardens.

Visit the Sho Museum & Entokuin

Tickets to Kodai-ji include entrance to the Sho Museum, and extra combined tickets can be purchased that include entrance to Entokuin, too. The museum exhibits makie lacquerware and treasures related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Nene. Entokuin Temple, next to Kodai-ji, is a sub-temple of the larger complex and contains two more lovely Zen gardens.