Kōdai-ji

Kōdai-ji is one of Kyoto’s more popular and ‘trendy’ temples, attracting visitors with a variety of events including seasonal night ‘light-ups’. It’s a lovely spot but you’ll often find yourself jostling with hordes of other visitors who are lured by the temple’s unique attractions. This temple was founded in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The extensive grounds include gardens designed by Kobori Enshū, teahouses designed by the renowned master of tea ceremony Sen no Rikyū, and a lovely little grove of bamboo trees (which are positively otherworldly when illuminated at night).