Kōdai-ji

Kōdai-ji (高台寺), formally identified as Jubuzan Kōdai-ji (鷲峰山高台寺), 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 (often known by the title Kita no Mandokoro), 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. Lacquerware has a tradition at this temple. The temple is nicknamed the "maki-e temple". One of the maki-e patterns used on a natsume tea utensil is called Kōdai-ji bun natsume (高台寺文棗), featuring the imperial chrysanthemum seal and the paulownia seal of the regent.

The treasury also holds paintings, including one of Hideyoshi, as well as textiles, and a bronze bell with an inscription dating it to 1606.

The android Mindar has given sermons on the Heart Sutra at Kōdai-ji since 2019.