Kodaiji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kodaiji Temple?
School-age children enter free and can explore the bamboo grove and projection-mapped garden, but steep stairs, no playground, and fragile buildings mean parents must supervise closely at all times.
Positives:
- Kids Enter Free: School-age children have free admission with a guardian, making it budget-friendly.
- Wide Outdoor Spaces: The pond garden and bamboo grove offer open areas for kids to explore safely.
Challenges:
- Many Stairs and Uneven Paths: Wear sturdy shoes and hold hands on narrow staircases and gravel trails.
- No Dedicated Play Area: There is no playground or children’s program; plan short breaks and bring small toys.
What is so special about Kodaiji Temple for with kids?
- Free entry for school-age kids with guardian
- Easy gravel paths in the lower pond garden and bamboo grove
- Elevated Moon-Viewing Pavilion with panorama over Kyoto
- Street snacks on Nene’s Path for a fun food break
- Combo ticket unlocks Entokuin’s flat, child-friendly garden
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore the lower pond garden, climb the Moon-Viewing Pavilion, and enjoy snacks without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kodaiji Temple
Lower Pond Garden Walk:
Follow wide gravel paths around the pond and through the bamboo grove.
Tip: Start here to let kids warm up on mostly flat ground before tackling stairs.
Moon-Viewing Pavilion:
Climb the Kangetsudai platform for a view over the temple grounds and Kyoto.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds on the steps and snap family photos.
Nene’s Path Snacks:
Sample mochi or sweet pickles at stalls on the street before entering.
Tip: Plan for one snack per child (100–500 JPY) and sit on a bench outside the gate.
Combo Ticket to Entokuin:
Buy the 900 JPY combined ticket to visit Kōdaiji, its Shoe Museum, and nearby Entokuin Temple.
Tip: Head to Entokuin’s flat South Garden—kids can run freely there.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults, kids free) | JPY 1,200 |
| Snacks for 2 children | JPY 600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,800 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Kodaiji Temple?
Visit mid-March to early May for cherry-blossom illumination and late October to early December for autumn-leaf lighting. Arrive before dusk to beat the crowds.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Kodaiji Temple
- Bring Water and Snacks: Carry water bottles and light snacks so children stay energized between shops.
- Use Combo Ticket Wisely: Start at Entokuin first if kids need flat ground, then return to Kōdaiji’s uphill sections.
- Plan for Rest Stops: Pause at benches near the lower garden and by the pavilion to avoid fatigue.
Map of Kodaiji Temple
Address: Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawarachō, 高台寺下河原町５２６
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Reviews of Kodaiji Temple
jie yong Teo
One of the most well-organized and peaceful temples I’ve visited — with surprisingly few tourists around, making it a truly serene experience. There are a few interactive attractions too, like using flash photography to reveal hidden images, which adds a fun twist to the visit. For goshuin collectors, you’ll be happy to know there are three different stamps available across the grounds (though do ...
NIN Kongnav
I have a wonderful experience here. It's definitely worth to visit. The garden is great and it also has a small bamboo forest. The ticket is 600Y (4$). I visited there on 1 August 2025. This temple is not too crowded. So, chill!
Kageyama
Very pretty temple! My photos do not do it justice. (I have better pictures on my camera). Even though there was construction going on (like at many other shrines/temples right now), there was a lot to explore! We also visited during Tanabata / Star Festival so it was nice to participate and put our own tanzaku on the bamboo branches on the temple grounds. I also liked the bamboo forest there! It...
Lia Bala
Absolutely amazing experience visiting this ancient temple. It’s a long meandering walk through beautiful historic streets to get to the top - an hour of easy climbing. Plenty of delicious food along the way - desserts, icecream, cafes. The shrine is beautiful and very serene nestled amidst the mountains which are lush green giving the entire ambience a mystical feel. When it rains - it’s even pre...
Marcus Bridges
There was major construction work being carried out, which detracted from the overall experience. It's beautiful and serene like so many places in Kyoto, but many of them are free to enter. We visited at 2 pm, during Golden Week, and whilst the neighbouring streets are crammed full with people, I guess the 600 yen entry fee puts people off, as it was very quiet here. The bamboo forest is tiny but...
About Kodaiji Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-561-9966See available options
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