Saihō-ji (Moss Temple)
西芳寺（苔寺）
A UNESCO World Heritage Site whose garden is covered by over a hundred kinds of moss, earning it the nickname “Moss Temple.” Advance reservation is required to visit.
Saiho-ji was restored in 1339 by Muso Soseki. Its garden is divided into an upper section of dry landscape and a lower stroll garden built around a heart-shaped golden pond. More than a hundred kinds of moss cover the entire garden like a green carpet, making it one of the UNESCO World Heritage components of “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” To protect the moss, the temple requires reservations, which must be made in advance on the official website or by sending a return postcard. Visitors usually copy a sutra or join a Buddhist service before entering the garden. The fee is about 4,000 yen (check the official website for the current price). Walk-in visits are not accepted. The moss is most vivid during the rainy season in June, and it can look even more beautiful on rainy days. Getting there: take the Kyoto Bus to Kokedera/Suzumushi-dera and walk about 3 minutes, or walk about 15 minutes from Katsura-Kōyama... (Agano Katsura Station on the Hankyu Line). It can be combined with Suzumushi-dera and Matsuo Taisha.
Opening hours
Reserved time slots only (apply via official website)
Nearby sights
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Tenryu-ji
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Ninna-ji
- Ryoan-ji
- Kyoto Railway Museum
- Kitano Tenmangu