Often overlooked by tourists, Kodai-ji Temple is one of the finest temples in the Southern Higashiyama Area.
Kodai ji temple in autumn
With a garden designed by Japan’s most famous garden designers (Kobori Enshu) and a tea house designed by the founder of the tea ceremony (Sen no Rikyu), Kodai-ji Temple represents the confluence of some of Japan’s greatest artistic and cultural traditions.
While some traditionalists cry foul, we can’t help but love the nighttime illuminations that are held at the temple in the spring and fall. Walking through the bamboo grove here with each stalk bathed in a ghostly light is something straight out of Narnia. Don’t miss it!
English address:
526 Shimokawara-cho, Kodai-ji, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address::
東山区高台寺下河原町526
Opening hours:
9am-5:30pm, last entry 5:00pm
Admission:
Adults: \600 (Including Sho Museum)
High and junior high school students: \250
Discount ticket for 3 places (Kodai-ji, Sho Museum, and Entoku-in Temple): \900
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Kodai-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 561-9966
Website:
Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Kodai-ji Temple is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
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