Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)（西芳寺 (苔寺)）
Kyoto’s Legendary Moss Temple and Masterpiece of Zen Garden Design The garden of Saihō-ji is considered by many to be Kyoto’s most beautiful garden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially famous for its lush moss garden, which has earned it the popular name Koke-dera (苔寺), or Moss Temple. In […]
Hogon-in (Tenryū-ji)（宝厳院）
Hidden Zen Garden in Arashiyama Hōgon-in（宝厳院）is a tranquil sub-temple of the famous Tenryū-ji temple in Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama district. Originally built in 1461 in Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward, the temple has a long and eventful history. It was first commissioned by Hosokawa Yoriyuki, who admired the Zen master Musō Soseki. Although Musō Soseki passed away before […]
Gio-ji（祇王寺）
A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Sagano District Giō-ji is a peaceful temple tucked away in Kyoto’s Sagano district, close to the popular Arashiyama area. This small temple is famous for its lush moss garden, shaded by tall maple and bamboo trees. The quiet, dreamlike atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat from the city’s busy tourist […]
Hakone Museum of Art – Moss Garden（箱根美術館）
Moss Garden and Japanese Aesthetics in the Mountains The Hakone Museum of Art’s Moss Garden is a lush, serene landscape tucked into the cool, misty mountains of Hakone. Beneath the canopy of around 200 maple trees, narrow stone paths weave through vibrant green moss, offering a peaceful stroll through nature. The unique climate of Hakone—cool, […]
Jizo-in（地蔵院）
A Quiet Bamboo Sanctuary Steps from Kyoto’s Famous Moss Temple Jizō-in（地蔵院） is a hidden gem in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. Also known as Take-no-tera (Bamboo Temple), it’s just a short walk from Saihō-ji, the famous moss temple. Yet, unlike its popular neighbor, Jizō-in remains peaceful and uncrowded. That makes it perfect for quiet contemplation and nature […]
Sanzen-in（三千院）
Laughing Buddhas and Autumn Beauty in Ohara’s Moss Garden Located in the tranquil village of Ohara, just north of Kyoto, Sanzen-in offers a serene and spiritual escape into nature and history. Founded in 806 by the monk Saichō, who introduced the Tendai school of Buddhism to Japan, Sanzen-in stands as one of the most culturally […]