Kodai-ji Temple

Kodai-ji, formally identified as Jubuzan Kodai-ji, is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

It was established in 1606 by the nun Kodai-in (often known by the title Kita no Mandokoro), who was the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for her late husband. The principal image is a statue of Shaka.

The gardens of Kodai-ji are a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.

Kodai-ji Temple map.
Currently the Founder's Hall (Kaisando), the Sanctuary (Otama-ya), the Teahouse (Kasatei), teh Teahouse (Shiguretei), Gate to Sanctuary (Omotetmon) and the Moon Viewing Pavilion (Kangetsudai) are designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

Tenmangu Shrine (Tsunashiki-Tenjin).
The Shinto deity Temma-Tenjin (sometimes called Sugaware no Michizane) is enshrined here.

It is believed that if you walk around the hall three times your wish will be granted and any misfortunes will go away.

Tea house (Iho-an).
Kodaiji Temple is also famous as a temple where a famous tea house remains. Iho-an is the first thing you see when you enter the precincts from the reception.

The base window of the large round window is very impressive. This window is called the Yoshino window, named after the courtesan of Shimabara, Tayu Yoshino.
A tsukubai is installed in the back of the Ihoan and in the dry stream.
Iho-an is a one-tatami-sized tea room, and is said to have been built by Haiya Shoeki, a wealthy merchant and tea master in Kyoto in the 17th century. It was relocated to Kodai-ji Temple in the Meiji period.

Founder’s Hall (Kaisando).
The pond garden around Kaisando is said to have been designed by the great garden designer, Kobori Enshu.

Garyu Corridor (Garyoro).

Mausoleum (Tamaya).
This is the special memorial hall enshrining Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Kita-no-Mandokoro.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Kita-no-Mandokoro are enshrined in "Otama-ya" and their graves lie under the state of Kita-no-Mandokoro.
Shumidan (dais for a Buddhist image) and Zushi (small shrine) are decorated with splendid makie (Japanese lacquer with gilded patterns) which is known as "Kodai-ji Makie", typical of the Momoyama period (late 16th century).

Tea Houses Shigure-tei (left) and Karakasa-tei (right).
On the hill are the important cultural property teahouses Karakasa-tei and Shigure-tei.

Both are considered to be the remains of Fushimi Castle, but the details are unknown.
Both buildings are unique and embody the Momoyama culture, which was full of freedom.

Tea House Shigure-tei.
The second floor of Shigure-tei is said to be the main part.

The unique shape, which is not found in other tea rooms, is worth seeing.
In recent years, it feels like a novel tea room that has been highly acclaimed for some reason, but the Fushimi Castle where this building existed was beyond the times.