Temple · Matsuo / Nishikyo

Saiho-ji (Kokedera Moss Temple) 西芳寺 (苔寺)

The legendary Moss Temple: a reservation-only garden of some 120 types of moss carpeting a pond garden by Muso Soseki, visited after a sutra-copying session.

About

Saiho-ji's garden was redesigned in 1339 by the Zen monk Muso Soseki, who also created Tenryu-ji's garden, and it influenced Ginkaku-ji and much of Japanese garden design. Over centuries of flooding and neglect, moss spread over the entire lower garden, which now glows in dozens of shades of green around the golden pond, its islands and teahouses. The upper garden contains one of the earliest dry rock waterfalls. To protect the moss, entry is limited: visitors must book in advance online, pay a high fee, and before entering the garden join a session of shakyo (sutra copying) in the main hall. The garden is a World Heritage Site. The effort and cost keep numbers low, which is what makes the visit so tranquil.

Highlights

• More than 120 kinds of moss in the stroll garden
• Muso Soseki's Ogon-chi golden pond
• Shonan-tei teahouse
• Early dry-stone waterfall in the upper garden
• Sutra copying in the main hall before entering

Tips

• Book on the official reservation site well ahead; slots open months in advance and sell out in June and autumn.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your slot; latecomers may be refused.
• The rainy season (June) is ideal: the moss is at its most vivid.
• Combine with nearby Kegon-ji (Suzumushi-dera) and Matsuo Taisha.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Kegon-ji (Suzumushi-dera)Temple · 450 m away
• Matsuo TaishaShrine · 900 m away
• Coin Lockers · Hankyu Arashiyama StationLuggage Storage · 2.0 km away
• Arashiyama Monkey Park IwatayamaZoo & Aquarium · 2.1 km away
• Don Quijote Kyoto RakusaiUnique Store · 2.3 km away
• Arashiyama Nakanoshima RiverbankBeach & Waterfront · 2.3 km away
• Togetsukyo BridgeBridge · 2.4 km away
• Katsura Imperial VillaCastle & Palace · 2.4 km away