Kodai-ji Temple situated just on the way while you go down along the sloping alleys to Shinto Yasaka-Jinja from Temple Kiyomisu-dera. It was established by Kita-no-mandokoro also known as Nene, in year 1606 in memory of her late husband, Tokotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) who was one of the greatest men in Japan history. Nene when passed away in year 1624 was a nun. The temple was named after her Dharma name Kodai-in after Rev. Sanko Osho of Kenning-ji was invited to act as an abbot to the temple. Similar to Kenning-ji, Kodai-ji also followed Rinzai Sect Zen Buddhism. Main attractions at site are a couple of its original tea houses and its two Zen gardens with ponds.
The Temple of Kodai-ji was built in a lavish style during Japanese unification era with strong financial supports from Hideyoshi's successor, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616). Main buildings featured with rich decorative interior were surrounded by Zen Gardens. The grandeur temple of the past suffered frequent attack of fires after 1789 and now remains only several structures.
The main hall Hojo was originally covered in lacquer and gold but after burnt down in 1912 fire, it was restored with a more modest style.
Iho-an Tea Ceremony House that has an unique large round window is an important cultural property to Japan. It was one of the original structures built in early 17th century.
Kaizando Founder's Hall standing within the gardens was one of the original structures remained at site. It is a memorial hall where wooden images of Hideyoshi and his wife Nene were enshrined.
The Zen Garden and pond Engetsu-chi that surrounded Kaizando memorial hall.
The Kaizando Memorial Hall and Otama-ya sanctuary are designated as an important culture property in the country.
The few ancient lamps displayed in the Kaizando Hall are unique and beautiful.
The reclined dragon corridor Garyo-do that links Kaizan-do Hall and Otamaya Hall.
Buildings are surrounded by impressive gardens that lit up in special effect illumination show during Spring and Autumn.
Tsukiyama Garden feature a pond, man made hilly landscape with decorative rocks, pine and maple trees when lit up at night, is extraordinary attractive.
The Mausoleum of Hideyoshi and his wife Nene is up the hillside behind the temple. It was richly decorated with the famous Kodaji lacquering skill that featured designs of powdered gold and silver setting in lacquer. The two tea houses Kasa-tei and Shigure-tei, further up Mausoleum, are old structures built in the style of Senno Rikyu. Kasa-tei also called Umbrella Hut as its ceiling appeared like the inner part of an umbrella. We did not manage to capture any clear picture at this area as it was rather dark when we visited the area.
The Bamboo Grove with red umbrella garnishing at the base, is brightly lit up when illuminated at night.
Simple Kare Sansui Rock Garden consisting of a large field of raked gravel mountain to represent Ocean, displays non traditional arts and illumination show during limited period in Sprng, Summer and Autumn.
Kodaiji Temple is the host to modern art exhibits especially the creative night illumination. The fantastic umbrella illumination show at site is so beautiful and interesting.
City view from Kodaiji Temple site.
The huge Image of Ryozen Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)looks out from Hojo was built with concrete and steel to commemorate the two millions Japanese and unknown soldiers who sacrificed during World War II. It weighs 500 ton with a height of 24 meters. It was constructed and unveiled in year 1955.
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