Japan's Kodai-ji Temple – in pictures

  • Japan's Kodai-ji Temple, like India's Taj Mahal, was built as an homage to love. All photos: Ronan O'Connell
    Japan's Kodai-ji Temple, like India's Taj Mahal, was built as an homage to love. All photos: Ronan O'Connell
  • The temple was built by Kita-no-Mandokoro, in memory of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
    The temple was built by Kita-no-Mandokoro, in memory of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
  • Visitors to Kyoto often dress up in the traditional style of geishas.
    Visitors to Kyoto often dress up in the traditional style of geishas.
  • Kodai-ji is one of the many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Higashiyama, Kyoto’s charming old town.
    Kodai-ji is one of the many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Higashiyama, Kyoto’s charming old town.
  • The nearby temple garden is laden with maple trees.
    The nearby temple garden is laden with maple trees.
  • The attraction draws couples from around the world.
    The attraction draws couples from around the world.
  • The sequence of 17th century prayer halls, pavilions and bridges is carefully arranged among forests, ponds and bamboo groves.
    The sequence of 17th century prayer halls, pavilions and bridges is carefully arranged among forests, ponds and bamboo groves.
  • When it was built in the early 1600s, the temple was designed as a site of serenity and contemplation.
    When it was built in the early 1600s, the temple was designed as a site of serenity and contemplation.
  • Kodai-ji Temple commands an attractive location at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen mountains.
    Kodai-ji Temple commands an attractive location at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen mountains.