Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto

More than your average temple, Kodai-ji is like a cultural treasure chest curated by none other than Japan's widow-turned-nun extraordinaire, Nene. After her powerful husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, shuffled off this mortal coil in 1598, she planned her getaway and was fortunate to receive some major patronage from the new shogun. The result? A Zen temple dripping with style.

Before you even step foot in the gardens, brace yourself for an eyeful indoors. Painted 'fusuma' (sliding screens) and a dry landscape that morphs into different designs throughout the year will have you scratching your head like a Zen master pondering a puzzling koan.

Once you hit the gardens, get ready for some serious sensory overload. The upper and lower ponds are like nature's own Instagram filters, reflecting cherry blossoms or maple leaves in a dance of color and light. As you wander up the garden path, you'll stumble upon a memorial hall for Hideyoshi and Nene, while Hideyoshi's love for tea is on full display with two historical tea houses at the top of the hill. On your way back, don't miss the bamboo grove and the jaw-dropping Ryozen Kannon statue, standing tall as a war memorial since 1955.

Nearby, you'll find the subtemple of Entoku-in, where Nene spent her golden years. It may be smaller in scale, but it's big on elegance, with narrow passages and fusuma paintings that'll transport you back in time. And the cherry on top? The option of a green tea set in front of one of Japan's most dynamic rock gardens, ready to soothe your soul after a day of temple-hopping.

Why You Should Visit:
Because Kodai-ji isn't just a temple鈥攊t's a whole day's worth of adventure wrapped in a kimono of ancient charm. And while you're at it, you can take a stroll around the neighboring street to soak up Kyoto's timeless atmosphere.

Tip:
Admission gets you into a small museum down the hill, so don't miss it! And be prepared to climb more stairs than you can shake a stick at鈥攋ust think of it as your daily workout with a side of enlightenment.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Kodai-ji Temple
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Higashiyama Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Gion District Walking Tour

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Among its notable landmarks is the Minamiza Kabuki Theater, a venue where... view more

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In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

Kyoto is a city catering to tourists, especially those who love history, religion, and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are found in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples, where the look and the feel of feudal-era Japan are still preserved.

One of Higashiyama's most... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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