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)
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.
Where Is This Place Located?
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
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