Kōdai-ji is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in the Higashiyama area, yet many visitors don't even know about it.

It's just a few minutes' walk from Kiyomizu-dera and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, but the atmosphere is often much quieter.

The temple was founded in the early 17th century in honour of the famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens, a bamboo grove and small tea pavilions.

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Zen Gardens and Bamboo Grove

The biggest attraction of Kōdai-ji is not the large buildings, but the gardens.

Here you will find:

• a classic Zen karesansui garden made of stones and gravel
• a peaceful bamboo grove
• small tea pavilions
• a view of a part of Higashiyama

The atmosphere here is much more intimate than the large temples in Kyoto, making it a pleasant stop during a stroll through the Higashiyama district.

Is Kōdai-ji worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to see a Zen garden without the extreme crowds of Kiyomizu-dera
• you like the peaceful atmosphere of Japanese temples
• you are passing through the Higashiyama area between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera

❌ More likely not if:

• you only have one day in Kyoto and only want to see the biggest sights
• you prefer monumental temples like Kinkaku-ji

💡 Alternative:

If you're looking for an even bigger Zen complex, try Nanzen-ji or the area of temples around Ginkaku-ji.

Most common mistakes

1️⃣ Skipping a temple on the way between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera
Many visitors just pass through the main street of Higashiyama and miss this temple completely.

2️⃣ Come only for the bamboo grove
This one is beautiful, but smaller than the famous bamboo forest in Arashiyama.

3️⃣ Underestimate an evening visit
During the seasonal illuminations, the Kōdai-ji gardens are among the best evening scenery in Kyoto.

Entrance fees and opening hours

• Open approximately 9:00-17:30
• entrance fee approx. 600 jpy
• may be open longer during special illuminations

Don't confuse the bamboo grove with Arashiyama

Within the grounds of Kōdai-ji you will find a small bamboo grove that is very photogenic and often surprisingly peaceful.

However, this is not the famous bamboo forest in the Arashiyama area in western Kyoto, which is much larger and one of the most famous places in the city.

The bamboo section at Kōdai-ji is more of an intimate garden - but that's why it tends to be significantly less crowded than Arashiyama.

If you plan to see both, we recommend splitting them into two different parts of your itinerary: Higashiyama in the east of the city and Arashiyama in the west.

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