Kodaiji Park, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Discover tranquility and history at Kodaiji Park, Kyoto: Zen gardens, tea houses, and a serene bamboo grove await.

Kodaiji Park, nestled in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, offers a tranquil escape with historical significance. Established in 1606 by Nene, the widow of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the park features exquisite gardens, tea houses, and a serene bamboo grove, reflecting Zen Buddhist principles and Momoyama-era artistry.

A brief summary to Kodaiji Park

463-28 Shimokawaracho, Kyoto, Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kodaiji Park.

Visit during the spring or autumn illuminations for a magical nighttime experience.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine for a full day of sightseeing.
Take a moment to enjoy matcha tea and a sweet treat at the tea house for a traditional experience.

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Explore Kodaiji Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kodaiji Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take bus number 206 to the Higashiyama Yasui bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and costs ¥230. From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Kodaiji Park.
Taxi

From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Kodaiji Park takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥1,600 and ¥2,000. Taxis are readily available at Kyoto Station. Taxi fare starts at ¥600 for the first 2km, then ¥192.77 per kilometer.
Walking

From Gion-Shijo Station, it is approximately a 20-30 minute walk to Kodaiji Park. Head east towards Yasaka Shrine, then follow the signs towards Kodaiji Temple and Park. Enjoy the scenic walk through the historic Higashiyama district.

Discover more about Kodaiji Park

Kodaiji Park, adjacent to the renowned Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto, is a place of serene beauty and historical importance. The park's origins are intertwined with Kodaiji Temple, which was founded in 1606 by Nene (also known as Kita-no-Mandokoro), the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a key figure in unifying Japan. Nene established the temple to honor her late husband, and it was supported by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hideyoshi's successor.The park and temple grounds showcase exquisite landscape architecture, featuring meticulously designed gardens by Kobori Enshu. Visitors can explore a rock garden symbolizing the vast ocean, a tsukiyama-style garden with ponds and decorative rocks, and a peaceful bamboo grove. The park also houses two tea houses, Kasa-tei and Shigure-tei, designed by the influential tea master Sen no Rikyu. These elements combine to create a harmonious Zen atmosphere.Kodaiji is known for its special night visits in the spring and autumn to admire the weeping cherry blossoms and colorful autumn leaves. During these times, the park is illuminated, creating a magical ambiance that blends historical scenery with modern technology. The park's location in the Higashiyama District makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring other nearby attractions such as Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.