🏯 Kōdaiji Temple
Type: Zen Temple / Garden City: Kyoto (day trip from Osaka) Neighborhood: Higashiyama Ward (Gion corridor) Address (EN): 526 Kodaiji Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0825 Address (JP): 〒605-0825 京都府京都市東山区高台寺下河原町526 Website: http://www.kodaiji.com/e_fee.html Hours: 9:00–17:30 daily (last entry 17:00); night illuminations until 22:00 (select seasonal periods) Entry: ¥600 adults / ¥250 students. Combo with Entokuin: ¥900. Photography: ✅ Gardens and grounds; confirm interior restrictions on arrival
Why We’re Going
Founded 1606 by Nene (widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi). Zen garden, teahouses, pond garden, and bamboo grove. Located on the Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka stone-paved lane route.
📷 Photography Prep
Best Lens: 23mm f/1.4 Backup Lens: 16mm f/2.8 Best Time: Early morning or during night illumination (seasonal) Light: Gardens work well in soft morning light; night illuminations are dramatic Focus On: Zen rock garden geometry, pond reflections, teahouse architecture, bamboo grove Restrictions: Confirm interior photography rules at entry
Tips & Notes
- Autumn illuminations (projection mapping) are exceptional — check dates
- Located on the classic Higashiyama walking route (Ninenzaka → Sannenzaka → Kōdaiji)
- One temple from Higashiyama cluster — don’t stack multiple
Getting There
Bus: Higashiyama Yasui (Bus 206) Also ~10 min walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)