How do I make a reservation to visit Saiho-ji?

Reservations require a postcard sent at least one week in advance. Include a return postcard with ¥63 postage, your name, address, preferred date, number of visitors (maximum two per postcard), and contact information. The temple responds with confirmation and your assigned time. Online and phone reservations are not available.

What is the best season to visit Saiho-ji?

Spring and autumn offer the most striking views, with vibrant green moss in spring and colorful maple leaves against moss in autumn. The rainy season in June and early July intensifies moss colors. Winter provides quieter visits with less vivid moss.

Is photography allowed in the moss garden?

Photography policies vary and should be confirmed upon receiving your reservation confirmation. The temple has historically restricted or prohibited photography to maintain the contemplative atmosphere and protect the moss from excessive visitor traffic.

How long does a visit to Saiho-ji take?

A complete visit typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, including 30 to 60 minutes for the mandatory sutra copying session and additional time to walk through the moss garden. Visitors receive a designated time slot and should plan accordingly.

Kyoto

Saihoji Temple

4.5 (2166)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionGardenPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Sep 27, 2026

Saiho-ji Temple, commonly known as Kokedera or the Moss Temple, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in the Matsuo district of Nishikyo Ward in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1339 by the renowned Zen monk Muso Soseki, the temple was originally established on the site of an earlier temple from the Nara period. Muso Soseki, one of Japan's most influential garden designers and spiritual leaders, transformed the grounds into a masterpiece of Japanese landscape architecture that has endured for nearly seven centuries.

The temple's defining feature is its extraordinary moss garden, which comprises approximately 120 different species of moss covering the grounds in a lush green carpet. The garden surrounds a pond shaped like the Chinese character for heart or mind, reflecting the Zen Buddhist philosophy of spiritual contemplation. This living landscape creates an atmosphere of serene tranquility that changes subtly with the seasons, from vibrant spring greens to golden autumn tones filtering through the moss-covered ground. The garden is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Visiting Saiho-ji requires advance planning, as the temple limits daily visitors to preserve the delicate moss ecosystem. Prospective visitors must apply by postcard at least one week in advance, including their preferred date, number of visitors, and a return address. Upon arrival, visitors participate in a sutra copying session before exploring the gardens, a practice intended to encourage mindfulness and respect for the sacred space. This unique requirement distinguishes Saiho-ji from most other Kyoto temples and ensures a contemplative rather than touristic experience.

The temple is located approximately 30 minutes by bus from central Kyoto. Visitors can take Kyoto City Bus number 73 or 83 from Kyoto Station to the Kokedera-michi stop, followed by a brief walk. Alternatively, the Hankyu Railway line connects to nearby Katsura Station or Kami-Katsura Station, both within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the temple. Admission costs ¥3,000 per person, which includes the sutra copying experience.

Phone

+81 75-391-3631

Website

saihoji-kokedera.com

Overview

Address

56 Matsuojingatanichō, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan

Traveler reviews

This place is good for people who want a quiet, spiritual experience. It was lightly raining all day when we came, and that was perfect. I think this is the most beautiful place I’ve seen in the entire world. Moss and mushrooms everywhere, and a deep feeling of being somewhere sacred. Entering the temple itself and copying the sutra is very peaceful, and easy to understand even for English speakers. You will need to respect the customs of the temple, and most of the time we spent here was spent in quiet or silence. But it was very rewarding, very peaceful, and the highlight of our trip to Japan.

Angela Caselle

Jul 1, 2026

Must buy tickets in advance and need to arrive sharp at the time of reservation!! For us this temple is simply the best we visited. The silence from the moment you entered is unreal, the calligraphy ritual is very touching and make you feel with meditation in a peaceful mind! After you done can take the paper home to be ready when you needed in moment of down period. The garden is beautiful and very relaxing walking around. Is 25 minutes from the train station, we went with taxi.

Mario Bellotti

Aug 10, 2026

I’m not especially knowledgeable about Buddhism, but Saihōji (Kokedera) Temple left a strong impression on me because of the gardens. The quiet setting makes the whole visit feel very special, and the limited-entry process adds to that sense of calm. I also liked the idea of copying sutras by hand, which gives the experience a thoughtful, memorable touch.

Yami An

Jun 19, 2026

Dropped off beside the Saihōji River, we were met by the comforting chirp of birds at the entrance and an azalea in peak bloom. The man checking tickets spoke excellent English and had a calm, charming energy. ‘Take your time,’ he said. Inside was a truly remarkable garden with trees growing from rocks in the pond and perfectly tended moss. Wow. In keeping with perfection, in the toilet was a marker for where to leave the slippers… Reservations required.

Travelling with Bob!

Aug 7, 2026

Make a reservation on their website for entry! The visit consists of 2 parts: copying the sutra and a walk through the garden. The temple supplies you with a calligraphy brush to copy a page of the sutra, which was honestly quite calming and therapeutic. The garden consists of a narrow path that curves around a beautiful large pond. The scenery was tranquil and serene like you’d died and gone to moss heaven. Given the many types of moss present here, I expected more of a botanical garden feel but it was set up just like a normal garden without any signs. The Goshuin was fantastic and the most unique I’ve seen so far.