Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto

Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto

Kodaiji Temple was founded in 1605 by KINOSHITA Nene (or One), "Kitano-Mandokoro"(1549? - 1624), who was the legal wife of TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi(1537 - 1598) in order to pray for the repose of TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi's soul. "Kodaiji" was the posthumous Buddhist name of "Kitano-Mandokoro", granted by Emperor Goyozei.

From Maruyama Park , a narrow street continues to the south. The street is named "Nene-no-michi", which means the "Nene's street". Along the street, you will see a couple of branch temples of Kodaiji Temple.

The below picture shows Entokuin Temple. Nene lived at this place for the last nineteen years of her life. The Hojo Hall and the garden of Entokuin Temple were remnants of Fushimi Castle.

Then, you will see Gesshinin Temple. Gesshinin Temple was founded in 1616. At the end of the the Edo Age (1603 - 1868) , the party of ITO Kashitaro(1835 - 1867) stayed at the temple. The party of ITO Kashitaro was a group of "Shinsengumi", which worked for "Kyoto Shugoshoku", Kyoto Military Governor of Edo Bakufu, the central government of Japan in the Edo Age. At the end of the Edo Age, the anti-Shogunate faction came to the fore. Edo Bakufu formed "Shinsengumi" and cracked down on the anti-Shogunate faction.

"Shinsengumi" divided into two groups due to internal conflicts. One group was led by KONDO Isami(1834 - 1868) and the other group was led by ITO Kashitaro. On November 18, 1867, ITO Kashitaro was invited dinner by KONDO Isami and the group of KONDO Isami killed ITO Kashitaro after the dinner. Other group members of ITO Kashitaro were also killed by the group of KONDO Isami on the following day.

Finally, you will arrive at the entrance of Kodaiji Temple. The slop continues to the main temple area located on the small hill.

On the slope, you will take in a panoramic view of "Yasaka-no-tou", the five storied Pagoda of "Yasaka" and the city of Kyoto. This view is very impressive.

On the small hill, the main temple area of Kodaiji Temple is located. At first, you will pay the admission fee at "Kuri" Hall, the priests' living quarters. When I visited Kodaiji Temple in 2011, a lot of sightseers visited Kodaiji Temple.

Behind the "Kuri" Hall, "Ihouan" hermitage is located. "Ihouan" hermitage was originally built by HAIYA Jyoeki(1610 - 1691) at the beginning of the Edo Age.

Next, you will visit "Hojo" Hall. On the way to "Hojyo" Hall, you will see "Kaizando" Hall, which is a temple hall commemorating its founder, beyond "Engetsuchi" Pond.

At "Hojyo" Hall, you will see the garden in front of the "Hojo" Hall. The garden was decorated as if a dragon was flying.

"Hojo" Hall was originally remnant of Fushimi Castle. Unfortunately, original hall was destroyed by fire in 1863. It was rebuilt in 1912.

From "Hojyo" Hall, you will visit "Kanzando" Hall. "Kaizando" Hall enshrines SANKO Shoeki, who was the founder of Kodaiji Temple's restoration.

"Kaizando" Hall was built in 1605 and it is designated as an Important Property of Japan.

To the east from "Kaizando" Hall, "Otamaya" Hall is located on higher hill. "Otamaya" is the mausoleum of "Kitano-Mandokoro". "Otamaya" Hall was built in 1605 and it is designated as an important property of Japan.

In the hall, the statues of TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi and "Kitano-Mandokoro" are located. Her mortal remains are said to be enshrined beneath her statue.

Behind "Otamaya" Hall, two tea-ceremony houses are located. These tea-ceremony house were remnants of Fushimi Castle and they are designated as important properties of Japan.

The above left picture shows "Kasa-Tei" and the right picture shows "Shigure-Tei". "Shigre-Tei" is a two storied tea-ceremony house. It is said that "Kitano-Mandokoro" watched the burning Osaka Castle in 1615. Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi, as a symbol of his glory.

Please refer the page of "Osaka Castle" for the detailed explanations:
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/TravelDestinations/Kansai/OsakaCastle_E.html

TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi became the position of "Kanpaku", the chief adviser to the Emperor, from poor peasant status. "Kitano-Mandokoro" is considered as the most successful commoner woman. When Osaka Castle was burnt and fell in 1615, TOYOTOMI Clan went to ruin. I wonder what were her thoughts on the prosperity and the glory of TOYOTOMI Clan which was established by TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi and "Kitano-Mandokoro", as she spent her final years.