[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Saihō-ji (Koke-dera) Temple (Updated Jun)

Saihoji Temple is also known as the Moss Temple It is a temple with a beautiful moss garden✨ Reservations are required You must make a reservation in advance by postcard or online☺️ When you visit, you first copy sutras in the main hall, then worship and tour the garden😊 Beautiful moss grows in the quiet grounds, and it was a very pleasant place✨ It's a temple you should visit along with Suzumushi Temple☺️ *Saihoji Temple (Moss Temple) 56 Matsuo Kamigaya-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 615-8286 #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign #Kyoto #KyotoTrip #SaihojiTemple

Some places exist not for the hustle and bustle, but for those who seek tranquility. Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto—also known as the Moss Temple—is one such place. It feels like a small island hidden in the crevices of time, quietly opening its green doors only during gentle rain. 🌱 A World Embraced by the Sound of Rain On that drizzly day, mist slowly rose at the foot of the mountain. The air was moist and soft, carrying the gentle scent of soil and moss. The garden of Saiho-ji Temple doesn’t boast blooming flowers or dazzling colors; instead, it captivates with a serene expanse of green. Raindrops fell on the moss, as if landing on a silent page of poetry. Walking past the pond, curved bridges, and stone paths, each step felt light, as though afraid to disturb the timelessness of this place. Words are unnecessary here; simply being present is enough. Listen to the wind and rain recount tales of the past, and let your inner self quietly settle. This is not an ordinary visit—it’s more like a slow journey of breathing in harmony with nature. 🌱 Sutra Writing: A Letter to Yourself Before entering the garden, visitors are guided to a hall where they spread out sutra scrolls, dip their brushes in ink, and begin writing. Sutra writing is not about faith or seeking blessings; it’s a moment to step away from the noise of information and return to the simplicity of lines and breaths. In that soft light, what emerges between paper and pen might be a long-lost sense of self. ☁️ Reservation Details｜Advance application required (no entry without reservation) • You can fill out an online application form on the Saiho-ji Temple website and visit on the specified date (usually after receiving a mailed notification). • If you’re in Japan, you can mail an application letter to the temple (include a self-addressed return envelope). ☁️ Admission Fee｜4,000 yen + 110 yen handling fee, includes sutra writing experience and garden entry ☁️ Opening Hours｜Morning ☁️ Transportation｜ • Take the JR line to "Saga-Arashiyama Station," transfer to a city bus to "Kokedera/Suzumushi-dera Mae" stop, then walk about 10 minutes. • Along the way, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s outskirts. Walking with an umbrella is recommended to better appreciate the details of the scenery. ⸻ Here, time feels moist and slow, moss whispers in the rain, and the heart naturally quiets down. Saiho-ji Temple is not a place to "see" but a place to "be"—like a journey without haste, a gentle conversation with oneself. If life has an ideal island, it might be hidden in the mossy hues of Kyoto’s gentle rain.

#aprilblooms 🌺🌷🌹🪷🪻🌸🌼🌻Flowers are all around in Japan!Natures Fragrance hmmmmmmm so Relaxing,different kinds of Flowers that blooms but my favorite was the pink one obviously,hope to go back there again for another adventure,it was really amazing..Aprilblooms to Mayflower,Thank you GOD for this wonderful journey in Japan(from Osaka,Kyoto to Tokyo)🙏🏽💐❤️

#Osaka Itinerary Early in the morning, I came to Shitennoji Temple, an ancient temple founded by Prince Shotoku that carries a thousand years of history. The architecture in the temple is simple yet full of Zen. I walked quietly on the stone road, feeling the solemnity and tranquility of this Buddhist holy place. In a corner of the temple, several monks were chanting and praying. The clear sound of bells echoed in the air, making people unconsciously slow down their pace and savor this rare tranquility. In the afternoon, I went to Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto. This ancient temple known as the "moss temple" seemed to be hidden in time. Entering the temple, you will see a green moss carpet covering the courtyard and stone steps, like an elegant ink painting. With gurgling streams and swaying bamboo forests, the entire temple seems to be integrated with nature, making people feel the pure Zen. Sitting in the courtyard, quietly listening to the sound of wind and flowing water, it seems as if time has slowed down, bringing a sense of relaxation for the body and mind.

Saihoji Temple, known as the "moss temple," attracts visitors in the fall with its mossy gardens that create an exquisite contrast with the autumn leaves. The garden, covered with about 120 types of moss, exudes a moist beauty among the trees colored red, orange, and yellow, creating a fantastic landscape unique to autumn. If you listen carefully in the silence, the sound of the trees swaying in the wind and the fallen leaves will soothe your soul. Visits are by reservation, and one of the attractions is that you can enjoy a relaxing time while copying sutras. Forget about your busy daily life and experience a special autumn moment in harmony with nature. #Saihoji Temple #Moss Temple #Kyoto Autumn Leaves #Autumn Scenery #Domestic Travel Trip

Time flows leisurely within the temple grounds, known as the Moss Temple. As you calm your mind and reflect on yourself, your body and mind will become calm and you will feel the strength to move forward. As Saihoji Temple celebrates its 1,300th anniversary, it aims to be a place of spiritual support for all people, while exploring new relationships between people and temples.

After finishing our visit to Saihoji Temple at 13:00, we stopped by Jizoin Temple. Jizoin Temple, also known as "Bamboo Temple," was founded in 1367. It is famous for its tranquil environment and beautiful scenery surrounded by bamboo forests. It is also the birthplace of Ikkyu Sojun. As autumn deepens, the maple leaves of Jizoin Temple are like fire, as if they were a painting carefully drawn by nature. The sunlight shines through the treetops, casting mottled shadows on the moss, as if time has stopped here. The autumn breeze gently blows, and the fallen leaves fly, each one seemingly carrying the gentleness of time. Here, you can listen to the melodious sound of the ancient bell, feel the tranquility of Zen, and let your soul be purified in this sea of red leaves. Admission: JPY 500

Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera, is a rare Zen treasure hidden in the mountains of Kyoto. This temple is renowned for its thousand-year history and unique moss landscapes. Entering the temple feels like stepping into a space where time stands still. The ground is covered with green moss like a carpet, and in the serene garden, every stone slab and every plant seems to be telling the philosophy of Zen. The temple's architecture blends seamlessly with nature, and its exquisite layout resembles a living Zen painting, bringing peace to the mind. Especially in spring and autumn, the moss and red leaves create a dreamlike scene. Saiho-ji is not only a place for Zen meditation but also a sanctuary for the soul, offering the deepest dialogue between the mind and nature.

Walking through the serene paths of Kyoto's mountains and waters, entering Saiho-ji Temple feels like stepping into a vivid moss painting. Known as the 'Moss Temple,' this ancient temple quietly tells the story of the passage of time with its garden adorned with over forty types of moss. As you ascend the steps, a green moss carpet unfolds before your eyes, covering the stone steps and garden. The interplay of light and shadow creates a mottled green scene, resembling an ink painting crafted by nature itself. Surrounded by ponds, stone lanterns, arched bridges, and ancient trees reflected in the water, the tranquil beauty takes one's breath away. The sound of the temple bell from Saiho-ji gently echoes, seemingly revealing the tranquility and serenity beyond the mundane world. Sitting on the floor in the main hall, quietly observing the garden, the shifting light and shadow over time bring a sense of peace to the mind. The moss garden of Saiho-ji is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. As you leave, the wind carries the fresh scent of pine needles, and the green tranquility seems to linger behind, leaving an endless reminiscence.

A World Cultural Heritage site, Saiho-ji Temple is named after a phrase left by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism: "The patriarch came from the west, and the five leaves are in full bloom." Built between 729 and 748, it was once the villa of Prince Shotoku, a legendary figure of the Asuka Period (592–710). The garden of Saiho-ji Temple is one of the oldest gardens in Japan. More than 120 mosses grow under the maple trees, forming a luxurious carpet, which gives Saiho-ji Temple its nickname "Moss Temple." Saiho-ji Temple is like a delicate garden, with the garden divided into upper and lower gardens. Muso Soseki incorporated Zen into the garden, creating a scene of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. (The dry landscape of the upper garden is not open to the public, so you won't be able to see it in its entirety.) This is one of the scenes in the novel "Homecoming" by writer Jiro Osaragi, and is said to be a favorite of Steve Jobs. It was once the most difficult temple to visit in Kyoto. The reservation system limits the number of visitors, maximizing the experience. Stepping into Saiho-ji Temple, you can feel the gentleness and tranquility of nature, and in the dappled light and shadow of the maple trees, you can almost hear the whispers of history. The sutra copying activity in the main hall is a meditative process that allows you to temporarily forget the troubles of the world. Saiho-ji Temple in the maple season is breathtakingly beautiful, with maple leaves dancing in the wind, streams gurgling, and birds chirping, making you feel relaxed and happy.

It is not in the city, and reservations must be made in advance (due to limited flow of people to provide the best experience and conservation), and the fee is more than HK$200. Still worth a visit and recommended. Over a thousand years of history and over a hundred species of moss world heritage. Personal experience is not as important as all the reasons. Travel Notes: - You must follow the rules and paths, relax and immerse yourself in the feeling of Zen (especially when writing calligraphy and meditating, it is also a good time to not compare and introspect) -Enter the gate, walk along the stone path and see the lotus in midsummer. Sit down in the main hall and write the Guanyin Sutra. - Walking through the park, there are not many tourists and everyone talks quietly or sits on the stone chairs to enjoy the scenery, meditate and listen to the sounds of nature -People who love moss will definitely enjoy the fun and vitality. It is very cute but hard to touch. Some people prefer the rainy season, like a fairyland. Time: 1-1.5 hours depending on personal needs Route: On the way there, take the train to the nearest Kami Katsura station and walk for 20 minutes; on the way back, take the bus near the Moss Temple to the station (about 1 hour from Umeda to Moss Temple)

🌈Highlights: First, enter the main hall to practice sutra copying (I really like this part, it's very easy to calm down). After copying sutras, you can enter the garden to appreciate the moss. Together with many foreign friends, the main theme is tranquility! You rarely hear people talking, completely immersed in a sea of green, with different shades of green (lake water, moss, leaves) exceeding my expectations! 🎟️Ticket Information: 4000 yen 🕐️Opening Hours: Go early, closes at 1 PM 💗Other Tips: You must make a reservation about a week in advance!!! Reserve the earliest time slot

This time we will introduce Saihoji Temple, which is famous as the Moss Temple. 🍃 It is a beautiful temple that Yoshimasa Ashikaga used as a model for its garden and buildings. The temple grounds are covered with about 120 types of moss, and it is also called the Moss Temple because of its beauty that looks like a beautiful green carpet. 🌿 The garden is a two-tiered structure, with a dry landscape garden on the top and a pond-like pond on the bottom, and the golden pond draws the character "heart". The teahouse Shonan-tei in the garden is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and it is a wonderful temple with many things to see. 😊📍Matsuo Kamigaya-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City 🚌 Take Kyoto Bus Route 73 or Route 83 to "Moss Temple Suzumushi Temple", and the last stop is "Moss Temple Suzumushi Temple" 🚗 From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, take a taxi for about 10 minutes ⚠️ You must apply in advance by return postcard to visit. #Kyoto Tourism #Moss Temple #Saihoji Temple #Domestic Trip

Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple is one of my favourite temples in Kyoto and it is very hard to make the reservation. The guests need to write down one paper before visiting the temple. The temple is full of the moss and it looks beautiful with the sunshine. In addition, the souvenir of this temple is impressive with different green colours. Very special and well designed. If you want to visit this temple, please book the tickets at least 2 weeks in advance. Or you may miss this beautiful temple. #summerdestinations #kyoto

When I went to Saihoji Temple in May, I felt that everything was just right. It had rained heavily the day before, so the sky was particularly clear that day. There was still some moisture left in the courtyard after the rain, making the moss very plump. Due to the limit on the number of reservations, there were only about 50 people in the courtyard in the morning. No one spoke loudly, and even if they were traveling together, most of them kept their voices down to communicate, for fear of ruining the scenery. It felt like visiting a fairy tale wonderland for two hours

The idea of a traditional Japanese garden is a philosophy of Shintoism, according to which the surrounding world is perceived as "filled with the primordial forces of creation." Traditionally, Japanese horticulture has highly valued mosses as a natural and highly decorative part of the landscape. Japanese gardens have been known since the 7th century AD, the earliest were the successors of Chinese traditions, but after a short time the gardens gained their unique face, character and style reminiscent of the Japanese landscape. Moss gardens coexisted along with the sandy garden as a special kind of park, where the texture of the surface and various shades of green were accentuated. Many amazing moss gardens can be seen in Kyoto. Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, the climate of this area is created by the mountains surrounding the city, which provide constant humidity, the rainy seasons create excellent conditions for the growth and survival of mosses. Saihoji Monastery is home to perhaps the most famous moss garden, Saihoji. The Saihoji Monastery, founded at the dawn of Japanese Buddhism, was planned from the very beginning as a garden. The monk Geki founded the temple during the Nara period (710-794), and a garden typical of that time was laid near it with reservoirs on which it was possible to ride boats, pavilions, gazebos and islands. During the internecine wars, the buildings burned several times, and the garden almost died. The famous monk-gardener Muso Soseki (Kokushi) in 1339 restored a garden with a pond in the form of the hieroglyph "heart" and islands where white herons nest, with picturesque stone compositions and ladders. After the death of the master, his students continued to work for a century. As the garden was revived, mosses began to grow naturally in it, and Muso Kokushi made them the basis of the garden. Today there are 130 species of them in the Moss garden. Mosses cover not only the stones with a thick carpet, but also the space all around.Egrets have returned to the islands and are nesting. In addition, the presence of moss indicates a good ecology of this place. #trip #garden

The heart is already looking forward to summer Touched by the beauty of this green moss In the heart of Kyoto Lies the treasure of a World Heritage Saiho-ji, also known as 'Moss Temple' Here, the greenery is lush, a deep sanctuary You may have strolled through Kiyomizu-dera Or left your footprints at Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji But Saiho-ji This hidden green oasis Is not a place everyone has set foot in Entering this green dream Requires passing through layers of 'checkpoints' Sending out postcards Copying scriptures with a brush Only then can one witness its elegance Saiho-ji, built over 1300 years ago The garden meticulously designed by Muso Soseki With the Heart-Shaped Pond at its center Surrounded by a rich variety of moss Every step taken is upon a poem The moss here is full of life Lush and glossy As if in a magical world A forest where little sprites dwell Or a fantastical wonderland where Alice roamed Saiho-ji, attracting numerous travelers year after year All for this touch of green Weaving a dream in the mundane world Under the shade of greenery We seek this serene beauty together

We walked here (45mins) from the bamboo forest. I was able to buy tickets online a few days before our visit - simple process. We booked the 10:00 slot. There's a tiny waterfall, where the water goes into a pond under a bridge - listen to the sound of water there, don't take pictures, just enjoy and find real tranquility. A beautiful temple and the moss garden was brilliant. The autumn colours were beautiful. The calligraphy of the sutra on arrival really puts you in the right mood. I believe this is one of earth's most beautiful places. #瑞生尖沙咀酒店 #jmtgr #托吉爾 #헵파이브관람차 #철마 #블루제이스 #瑞生尖沙咀酒店#jmtgr#托吉爾#난바#디자이너#블루제이스#철마#헵파이브관람차#천사의성#마젤란의십자가#바로셀로나

The exterior of Saiho-ji Temple is simple and solemn, but once you step into the garden, you will find that its true essence lies in the richness of the artistic conception! 🤩Whether it is the ground or the old trees, they are all covered with thick moss, forming a deep and quiet emerald green tone! 🎡 Walking casually in it, it feels like being in another world, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the world. From time to time, the chirping of cicadas and birds can be heard, purifying the soul. 😌Everything exudes a deep Zen flavor. I looked at the broken branches of the old tree and said: "Time flies, and trees are happy or unhappy." It made me feel the spiritual comfort contained in the moss temple more deeply🥲 A day of outing passed quickly, but the sincere and Zen-like scenery of the moss temple is expected to stay in the paradise in my heart forever! 🏖️ #Japan must-visit check-in spots #Saihoji Temple #Moss Temple

Do you know the moss temple in Kyoto that only people who apply in advance can enter? This time, I will introduce the moss temple, Saihoji Temple. Saihoji Temple has a pre-application system to preserve the original environment of the temple. There are two ways to apply in advance: by postcard or online, but I applied by postcard because it was faster. On the day, I went by rental car. There was a large Times parking lot right in front of me. There are also buses from the city, but if you consider the risk of the parking lot being full, it might be better to take the bus. We were able to enter the moss temple at the reserved time, and first we all copied sutras, and then we were able to take turns to tour the garden after we finished. Copying sutras is something you don't often get to do, so it was a good experience. The number of reservations is limited, so it was nice to be able to take my time ♪ #domestic travel #Kyoto travel #Kyoto sightseeing #Kyoto tourist spots #Moss Temple #Saihoji Temple #Saihoji Moss Temple #Summer travel #domestic travel #domestic tourism #couple travel #couple travel #relaxed travel #relaxing trip #World Heritage Site #World Heritage Site Tour #World Heritage Site Tour #World Heritage Sites in Japan

Japan's temple belongs to the Rinzai sect of Tenryuji Temple in Japan. It is located in Matsuo Jingan Valley, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, with the mountain name of Hongyin Mountain and also known as Koke Temple. The main statue is Amitabha Buddha. This temple was originally a villa of the legendary figure Prince Shotoku in the Asuka period. In the Nara period, the monk Gyoki built a temple here, initially called "Western Temple", and worshipped Amitabha Buddha. In the Heian period, the studying monk Kukai held a release ceremony here. When the Zen master Muchuan Shoseki took over, the temple name "Western" was changed to "Saiho", which comes from a sentence left by the founder of Zen, Bodhidharma: "The patriarch came from the west, and the five leaves are in full bloom." Kyoto's most famous Saiho-ji Temple, the inconspicuous moss in the eyes of ordinary people, can become a dominant force after being allowed to grow for 500 years. It is said that only 100 people are received every day, because too many people will prevent the moss from growing. Lin Daiyu likes moss, this shade-loving plant symbolizes loneliness. Steve Jobs loved it here, and it is said that he meditated here and realized the essence of the dry landscape of dream windows and sparse stones. Moss was originally something from the countryside, but it is actually extremely difficult to cultivate. It needs sunlight and water, but cannot be exposed to the sun or soaked excessively. It seems generous but is actually delicate, and everything needs to be just right. It is fortunate to have the chance to see it with your own eyes here, and be grateful for all the good luck.

About Xifang Temple (Moss Temple) This is a set of "scam" or 19% increase in saturation. About the reputation of Xifang Temple: World Heritage, the most difficult appointment, the most beautiful garden, the most beautiful moss, the most expensive visit fee, the most ceremonial copy... a series The "most" About the appointment rainy season garden is said to be the most beautiful, this year's late rainy season let me catch up. Meiyu season, send a reciprocating postcard two months in advance, can provide 3 dates for the temple reference, but finally decided to visit the temple. may also be rejected. Of course, Kyoto-style Tsundere is -- 6-7 month, any day, no way, geographical advantage ~ (>) about scenery And copying If you just want to swallow the date, go to the garden, Of course this is the choice of 95% of people, then Xifang Temple will probably be disappointed in 40 minutes. dozens of verses, even if written by a brush, it is still impossible to calm you down. Not a large garden, encountering the moss withered period or most days can use "nothing to describe." I would like to admit one - do not come. Looking for Taobao on behalf of the appointment of dozens of hundreds, it is difficult to make an appointment, according to the date is just in Kyoto, get up early for more than an hour of car or even take a taxi to the temple on the edge of the mountain, then spend near 200 RMB visit fee. I believe that your expectations must be explosive. But the answer is definitely disappointing. This incident was confirmed after 40 minutes of opening the door. The remaining residents of Xifang Temple Garden were less than 10 people. Yesterday's total bookings should be more than 50 people. So, no big deal. Scenery, as shown, the saturation has increased by 15%. The garden is shown in Figure 9. It is roughly half of the main view. Scripture, if you want to meditation, it is natural; , can not copy. As to whether children can enter? Sorry, the Buddhist temple is clean and the middle school students are declined. Of course, holding the heart of the punch card, naturally another matter. I just want to say: Don't expect too much. Here, it is just an ordinary temple, and it is also the rules of ordinary monasteries. This is not an attraction. Why don't other temples have this rule? There is also a temple in , but there is no such a strong saying about Xifang Temple. PS: Passers-by taking pictures... Forever Keki... Hey! (