Kodaiji

Kodaiji is one of the many outstanding temples in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. It was constructed in 1605 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by the great political leader's wife. Besides beautiful temple halls, Kodaiji features a small bamboo grove and a landscape graden with tea houses, designed by leading, contemporary masters.

Temmangu Ox
Oxen are regarded as messengers of the Shinto deity, Tenjin-sama. It is believed that this ox will bear your suffering for you. If you have an ailment on your body, you can touch the ox's corresponding area with your right hand or both hands.


Mani Wheels
This is a Buddhust object used throughout the world. These Mani wheels contain the Heart Sutra, and by turning it once it earns merit. If you have a wish concerning health, longevity, etc you walk clockwise areound the hall and keep touching and turning the wheels with your right hand.


kodaiji temmangu



Karesansui
Kodaiji's 'south garden' is a karesansui, or 'dry rock garden' that is a more recent addition, it features a large area of raked gravel that is punctuated by conical gravel formations, and surrounded by an undulating border of moss and stone. The raked gravel of a karesansui is meant to evoke the ripple patterns that form in water.




Kodai-in villa, and the Kita-teien
Also known as the 'North Garden' were originally built by Toyotomi Nene as a residence compound for the Fushimi castle. When Hideyoshi died in 1598, Kodai-in and its garden were relocated from Fushimi to the present site, and the construction of the 'Kodai-jn' temple began in 1603.






Bamboo