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 1339, the renowned Zen monk Musō Soseki became the head priest and redesigned the garden. For Musō, garden creation was part of Zen practice, and although he contributed to many temple gardens, Saihō-ji is widely regarded as his masterpiece.
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358–1408) is said to have meditated here in the upper part of the garden, honoring its creator. His grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1435–1490), was so inspired by Saihō-ji that he modeled his own retreat, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), after it.
Over the centuries, notable monks such as Kūkai, Hōnen, and Musō Soseki have served as head priests. During the Edo period, the garden fell into decline. It was likely during this time that moss began to gradually overtake the grounds, eventually forming the garden’s iconic green carpet. Today, the site hosts around 120 species of moss.
The best times to visit are mid-June to mid-July, during the rainy season, and in autumn, when the vibrant reds and oranges of the maple leaves contrast beautifully with the deep green moss.
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Saihō-ji Garden Guide
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How to visit Saihō-ji
Saihō-ji has strict rules regarding visiting.
In this guide we are explaining the exact reservation process and also highlight the most important rules upon visiting.
—get this guide for free.
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Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
Saihō-ji is situated in the picturesque Arashiyama mountains to the west of Kyoto. Although you need to change trains, it is not very complicated to get there.
First get to Katsura station by taking the Hankyu Kyoto line. In Katsura, change to the cute trains of the Hankyu Arashiyama line to get to Matsu-o station. From there, you can take a bus to get to Koke-dera (it says so big in big letters on the front of the bus). After that, it is only a short walk to the temple.
You can also go directly from Kyoto station with bus 28 until Matsuo-Taisha-mae and walk around 15 min in southern direction. From the Sanjō station of the Keihan line, you can take bus 63 to the final stop ‘Koke-dera’.
Address
- EN: Saihō-ji Temple 56 Jingatani-cho Matsuo Nishikyo-ku Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan
- JP: 京都府京都市 西京区松尾神ヶ谷町56
Opening times
Visiting the temple and its garden is only possible with previous registration via a return postcard (往復ハガキ) or online reservation.
Admission fee
- 4000 yen (Online reservation)
- 3000 yen (Return postcard reservation)
- Children under 13 years old are not allowed
Only two people are guaranteed a spot in the same time slot.
There are special days where children are allowed.
Facilities & Accessibility
- You will participate in a sutra writing.
- You can get a goshuin temple seal.
- Close to the temple is a nice Cafe with garden.
- The temple is not barrier-free.
Best time to visit
- In mid June - early July when the moss is beautiful. (Rainy season)
- End of November/ Beginning of December for autumn leaves.
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