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Kasa-tei / Kodaiji Temple

Kasa-tei, located in Kodaiji Temple, is one of the historical buildings that Hideyoshi's wife, Kitanomandokoro (Nene), was involved with, and is known as a symbolic remnant of Japanese tea culture and architectural beauty. This tea house is located within the precincts of Kodaiji Temple and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. As its name suggests, the exterior and structure have a unique design reminiscent of an umbrella. It is said that the Kasa-tei was originally built by Hosokawa Tadaoki, disciples of tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu, reflecting Rikyu's sense of simplicity and refinement in aesthetics. The building features a circular roof, so named because of its resemblance to an umbrella. The interior is also simply designed with bamboo and earthen walls, expressing the spirit of the tea ceremony, “wabi” and “sabi”. Historically, when Kodaiji Temple was built in the early Edo period as a retreat for Kitanomandokoro, this Kasa-tei was also moved to its present location. The entire Kodaiji Temple is deeply connected to the life of Kitanomandokoro, and many of its structures are arranged to symbolize her quiet life after the death of Hideyoshi. As part of these buildings, the Kasa-tei is more than just a tea house; it is an entity that combines historical background and cultural value. Today, the Kasa-tei conveys to visitors the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and the depth of tea culture. Blending harmoniously with the surrounding gardens, it offers tranquility and healing to visitors, making it one of the essential spots for deepening one's understanding of Kyoto's history and culture.


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