Saihō-ji (Koke-dera) Temple on Postcard

"It’s said that the human eye can see more shades of green than any other color. Put the theory to the test at the Koke-dera, or Moss Temple, a veritable spectrum of jades, mints, artichokes, emeralds, and olives. TheUNESCO World Heritage site, formallyknown as Saihoji, ishome to around 120 types of moss, which carpet the temple ground’s forested floor in ways Akira Kurosawa couldn’t have dreamed up. Reservations to the temple must be made by snail mail months in advance in Japanese. After arrival, visitors are also asked to participate in Koke-Dera’s religious activities by observing kito and shakyo (respectively, the chanting and copying of Buddhist scriptures, called sutra)."

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

test

Nick Young

Google

Very meditative and spiritual experience. I loved the serenity in the gardens after writing the scripture. Hardly anyone was talking as we walked around. Highly recommend this temple, plus it's right near Arashiyama so you can pair it with other activities in that area.

Marieke Burghoorn

Google

This place was incredible. The garden is exactly like I imagined fairytale forests when I was younger and how the sun shines through the leaves onto the mossy grounds is just unbelievably beautiful. I’m so happy I went here after seeing other temples in the area and I totally recommend! The calligraphy exercise in the temple before you enter the garden is also very relaxing. Please make sure to book a couple of weeks or days in advance to get the time slot you want.

Ravemind

Google

The steps they have taken to maintain the peace and tranquility of the garden are much appreciated. It's been a hot summer and I suppose the moss wasn't at it's most vibrant, but it was still breathtaking. I loved every moment of my 2 hours here. I'd like to know more about the process of caring for the garden.

Thibault Martin-Lagardette

Google

I didn't know moss could look so beautiful. Definitely a must-see in Kyoto, much more so than some of the other well known, but less interesting, tourist sites (eg Golden Temple). You must book in advance. For our October visit, we had to book 3 days in advance. The copying of the sutras felt more performative than anything else,but was easy enough even if you don't write, read, or speak the language.

A R Deet (Ardeet)

Google

Saihōji, the moss temple, is truly beautiful and serene place to visit. Make sure you book as visitors are limited. The care taken with the moss, the perfectly manicured trees, understated water features and expressive rocks made this a highlight of our visit to Japan.

Zenflaneur

Google

There are many beautiful temples and gardens in Kyoto, but Saihoji is probably the only one covered in moss. Built 1,300 years ago in a former royal villa, it has been a popular temple through the centuries. The reservation system limits the number of visitors in each session so the environment is relatively calm. It is an interesting experience because one can only roam the garden after completing the homework, copying a short piece of Buddhist sutra in the exam hall (the main temple building).

Siew Lun

Google

We caught typhoon 10 of the season and so it was very rainy, but that only added to the beauty of the garden. A couple days before they even offered to cancel our reservation and refund us for free if we deemed it necessary. Because of the reservation requirement and fee, it is unlike other gardens swarming with visitors. You first are guided to the main hall to trace out and write a sutra then you are allowed to wander the garden. It is immaculate to say the least. The care they must put into and time to keep the moss as healthy as it is must take many years.

A.E. Schipaanboord

Google

Beautiful temple and garden. It was one of the most relaxing activities we undertook in Japan. Away from mass tourism, quieting the mind. Really enjoyed the lush garden and the tranquility 🙏🏽 Visited mid July

Nick Young

Google

Very meditative and spiritual experience. I loved the serenity in the gardens after writing the scripture. Hardly anyone was talking as we walked around. Highly recommend this temple, plus it's right near Arashiyama so you can pair it with other activities in that area.

Marieke Burghoorn

Google

This place was incredible. The garden is exactly like I imagined fairytale forests when I was younger and how the sun shines through the leaves onto the mossy grounds is just unbelievably beautiful. I’m so happy I went here after seeing other temples in the area and I totally recommend! The calligraphy exercise in the temple before you enter the garden is also very relaxing. Please make sure to book a couple of weeks or days in advance to get the time slot you want.

Ravemind

Google

The steps they have taken to maintain the peace and tranquility of the garden are much appreciated. It's been a hot summer and I suppose the moss wasn't at it's most vibrant, but it was still breathtaking. I loved every moment of my 2 hours here. I'd like to know more about the process of caring for the garden.

Thibault Martin-Lagardette

Google

I didn't know moss could look so beautiful. Definitely a must-see in Kyoto, much more so than some of the other well known, but less interesting, tourist sites (eg Golden Temple). You must book in advance. For our October visit, we had to book 3 days in advance. The copying of the sutras felt more performative than anything else,but was easy enough even if you don't write, read, or speak the language.

A R Deet (Ardeet)

Google

Saihōji, the moss temple, is truly beautiful and serene place to visit. Make sure you book as visitors are limited. The care taken with the moss, the perfectly manicured trees, understated water features and expressive rocks made this a highlight of our visit to Japan.

Zenflaneur

Google

There are many beautiful temples and gardens in Kyoto, but Saihoji is probably the only one covered in moss. Built 1,300 years ago in a former royal villa, it has been a popular temple through the centuries. The reservation system limits the number of visitors in each session so the environment is relatively calm. It is an interesting experience because one can only roam the garden after completing the homework, copying a short piece of Buddhist sutra in the exam hall (the main temple building).

Siew Lun

Google

We caught typhoon 10 of the season and so it was very rainy, but that only added to the beauty of the garden. A couple days before they even offered to cancel our reservation and refund us for free if we deemed it necessary. Because of the reservation requirement and fee, it is unlike other gardens swarming with visitors. You first are guided to the main hall to trace out and write a sutra then you are allowed to wander the garden. It is immaculate to say the least. The care they must put into and time to keep the moss as healthy as it is must take many years.

A.E. Schipaanboord

Google

Beautiful temple and garden. It was one of the most relaxing activities we undertook in Japan. Away from mass tourism, quieting the mind. Really enjoyed the lush garden and the tranquility 🙏🏽 Visited mid July

Saihō-ji (Koke-dera) Temple

Saihō-ji (Koke-dera) Temple

Photos

Highlights

You might also like