What other travelers are saying about Kodai-ji Temple
Kodaiji Temple Night Illumination Review
Kodaiji Temple’s nighttime illumination was one of the most breathtaking experiences of our Kyoto trip. The entire garden comes alive after dark — fall trees glowing with soft spotlights, colors looking even richer and brighter, and a gentle light show projected near the temple that adds to the atmosphere without feeling overwhelming.
The walk through the grounds felt serene and almost magical. There’s a small bamboo forest here, and with the lights shining upward, the bamboo looked like it was glowing from within. Every corner felt peaceful, quiet, and beautifully designed to highlight the natural surroundings.
If you’re in Kyoto during the illumination season, this is an absolute must-see. It turns an already beautiful temple into a completely unforgettable evening experience.
We went to visit the temple in the afternoon (at around 6pm) and we loved that there were not too many people. The place (and the park) is really nice. It was especially nice with all the autumn colors and lightning that makes the colors even more beautiful.
We also saw one of the lightning shows that the Kyoto city prepares at different temples. It was okay but it was nothing to special. But the place itself is really nice.
Kōdaiji was one of my favorite spots in Kyoto. The gardens are stunning, the paths are peaceful, and the overall vibe feels very refined and calming. It’s one of those places where you naturally slow down and just enjoy being present. The temple buildings and landscaping are gorgeous, and it’s especially lovely if you enjoy quiet corners and scenic views. I absolutely loved visiting — such a memorable and beautiful temple.
A lovely temple with several buildings over a spacious garden. It’s very popular with many tourists: I saw three buses in the parking lot, but it’s spacious enough that it didn’t feel crowded. It’s on a slight hill so you can go up stairs and paths up into slight wooded areas. There is a small bamboo thicket that you can pass through to get the feeling of a bamboo forest. One of the buildings requires removing your shoes to explore. There is another building where you can sit & take some tea for an extra fee. I explored this place alone, and enjoyed it a lot. It was verdant and the air was refreshing. This is one of those destinations where people take photos in their rented kimono outfits, which seemed odd to me. As a western female redhead it would never occur to me to do that but there were lots who did. There are several rental shops nearby. I took a city bus to get to the temple which was easy and inexpensive.
Going to this temple at night whenever they have their special ligh show and illumination is a wondrous experience. It is just so gorgeous. The light show is nice and fun, but the best part are the trees reflecting on the lake, all illuminated, and simply gorgeous. The fact it was fall and they had all these different pretty colors made it all even better. I have been to this temple both during the day and at night, and I found the night experience even more memorable. I would very much recommend going whenever they have their temple illuminated.
Visitors can explore Kodai-ji's main hall, gardens designed by prominent masters, and a mausoleum for Hideyoshi and Nene. The temple's grounds include a rock garden, a pond with artificial hills, decorative rocks, and seasonal trees. Particular highlights include the Kodaiji Makie lacquer work and two tea houses designed by tea master Sen no Rikyu.
Yes, Kodai-ji Temple is renowned for its nighttime illuminations, particularly during the spring and autumn, offering a different perspective on its beauty. These illuminations are highly recommended for their unique style and the serene atmosphere they create.
Kodai-ji is nestled between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera. It is accessible within a 5-10 minute walk from the Higashiyama Yasui bus stop, about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus number 206.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of Kodai-ji Temple, including its gardens. However, photography may be restricted inside certain buildings to preserve the space's tranquility and sacredness. It's advisable to look for signage indicating photography rules or ask a staff member before taking photos inside any buildings.
While there is no strict dress code for visiting Kodai-ji Temple, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the temple as a place of worship. It means avoiding overly casual or revealing clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the temple grounds are expansive with various terrains.
