Kōdai-ji


Kōdai-ji, formally identified as Jubuzan Kōdai-ji, is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan—the largest subtemple of the Kennin-ji branch.

History

It was established in 1606 by the nun Kōdai-in, who was the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for her late husband. The principal image is a statue of Shaka.
The gardens of Kōdai-ji are a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.
The temple possesses a number of objects designated as Important Cultural Assets. Among these are the Main Gate and the Spirit Hall, noted for its use of maki-e. The temple is nicknamed the maki-e temple." It also holds paintings, including one of Hideyoshi, as well as textiles, and a bronze bell with an inscription dating it to 1606.