Kodai-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple of Kenniji sect's Rinzai school, located on Mount Juubu in the Tokuyama Ward of Kyoto city. The temple’s proper name is Koudaijushouzen-ji temple, and it is also sometimes called the Makie Temple, due to the large number of makie objects, which are Japanese lacquered objects with silver or gold gilded patterns the shrine is home to.
As well as being a Zen temple which centers around Buddha, it has a mausoleum dedicated to the historical feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who completed the unification of Japan in the 16th century. Interred alongside him is his wife, who founded the temple in 1606 after his passing.
The temple’s gardens, a well-known scenic spot, are known for their weeping cherry blossom trees, and for the brilliant Momoyama Period (1573-1615) stonework. The various tasteful light displays in the gardens and bamboo forest will ensure that you will enjoy an evening trip to this temple.
Autumn Lightup
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Illaura Rossiter @illaura.rossiter
A semi-professional photographer and English teacher, Illaura is a long-term resident of Japan who photographs every day life and scenes in Japan to promote a better understanding of Japanese culture.
