Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto

More than your average temple, Kodai-ji is like a cultural treasure chest curated by none other than Japan's widow-turned-nun extraordinaire, Nene. After her powerful husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, shuffled off this mortal coil in 1598, she planned her getaway and was fortunate to receive some major patronage from the new shogun. The result? A Zen temple dripping with style.

Before you even step foot in the gardens, brace yourself for an eyeful indoors. Painted 'fusuma' (sliding screens) and a dry landscape that morphs into different designs throughout the year will have you scratching your head like a Zen master pondering a puzzling koan.

Once you hit the gardens, get ready for some serious sensory overload. The upper and lower ponds are like nature's own Instagram filters, reflecting cherry blossoms or maple leaves in a dance of color and light. As you wander up the garden path, you'll stumble upon a memorial hall for Hideyoshi and Nene, while Hideyoshi's love for tea is on full display with two historical tea houses at the top of the hill. On your way back, don't miss the bamboo grove and the jaw-dropping Ryozen Kannon statue, standing tall as a war memorial since 1955.

Nearby, you'll find the subtemple of Entoku-in, where Nene spent her golden years. It may be smaller in scale, but it's big on elegance, with narrow passages and fusuma paintings that'll transport you back in time. And the cherry on top? The option of a green tea set in front of one of Japan's most dynamic rock gardens, ready to soothe your soul after a day of temple-hopping.

Why You Should Visit:
Because Kodai-ji isn't just a temple—it's a whole day's worth of adventure wrapped in a kimono of ancient charm. And while you're at it, you can take a stroll around the neighboring street to soak up Kyoto's timeless atmosphere.

Tip:
Admission gets you into a small museum down the hill, so don't miss it! And be prepared to climb more stairs than you can shake a stick at—just think of it as your daily workout with a side of enlightenment.