Overview
Founded in 1606 by Nene (Kodai-in), Toyotomi Hideyoshi's principal wife, to pray for her late husband's soul, Kodai-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple. Highlights include a tea house and mausoleum decorated with lavish Momoyama-era maki-e lacquerwork, and a garden reportedly designed by Kobori Enshu, while a bamboo path behind the grounds rivals Arashiyama's atmosphere. In spring and autumn, special nighttime illuminations combining reflected foliage and projection mapping draw large crowds. Admission JPY 600. A 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line).
Travel Tips
During special night viewing periods, the atmosphere is completely different from daytime. Recommended as part of a walk connecting Nene-no-michi and Sannenzaka.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Kyoto, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Kyoto on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Kyoto with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Kyoto 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Kodai-ji
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Nanzen-ji
The highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan, famous for its striking red-brick aqueduct.
📍 1.7km away
Fushimi Inari Taisha
A mystical shrine famed for its endless tunnels of vermilion torii gates.
📍 3.9km away
Ryoan-ji Temple
Zen temple home to the world's most famous karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden.
📍 6.6km away
Things to Do in Kyoto
Kimono Walk in Gion
Rent a kimono and stroll Gion and Yasaka Shrine. Rental about JPY 3,000-6,000
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Rickshaw
Rickshaw tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and surroundings. From JPY 9,000/30min for 2
Fushimi Inari Night Hike
Walk through thousands of torii gates at night for a mystical atmosphere. Free, open 24 hours