Daidokoro Forested Slope to Kōdaiji Temple

Japan Winter 2024

Kyoto | Japan

24 Feb 2024 | Sat

Day 05 of 17

Shinkansen Bullet Train – Tokyo to Kyoto
View Mount Fuji from Tokyo to Kyoto Bullet Train
Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Kyoto Shijo
Walking Kyoto’s Famous Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets
Hokan-ji Temple Kyoto
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple Gate Kyoto
Daikanyama Candy Apple Kiyomizu Ninenzaka
Daidokoro Forested Slope to Kōdaiji Temple
Walk Back to Hotel

Daidokoro Forested Slope to Kōdaiji Temple

While heading back to our hotel in Kyoto, we unexpectedly found a charming walkway, bathed in soft light, leading up to the historic Kōdaiji Temple. Intrigued, we followed the path, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the forested slope known as Daidokoro. As we reached the top, we were greeted by the sight of the Kōdaiji Tenmangū Shrine, which was beautifully lit up against the night sky. It was a peaceful and unexpected surprise, even though the Kōdaiji Temple grounds were closed (due to being late in the evening).

Daidokoro-Forested-Slope-01 — Daidokoro Forested Slope to Kōdaiji Temple

Daidokoro-Forested-Slope-09 — Kōdaiji Tenmangū Shrine

Kōdai-ji (高台寺, Kōdai-ji), formally identified as Jubuzan Kōdai-ji (鷲峰山高台寺, Jubuzan Kōdai-ji), is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan—the largest subtemple of the Kennin-ji branch.

It was established in 1606 by the nun Kōdai-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 Kōdai-ji are a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.

The temple possesses a number of objects designated as Important Cultural Assets. Among these are the Main Gate and the Spirit Hall, noted for its use of maki-e. The temple is nicknamed the maki-e temple.” It also holds paintings, including one of Hideyoshi, as well as textiles, and a bronze bell with an inscription dating it to 1606.

– Kiyomizu-Dera Temple > Wikipedia