Saiho-ji Temple Tours and Activities

In 1339 the Buddhist monk Muso Soseki accepted an opportunity to restore a dilapidated temple into a deeply religious one surrounded by a zen garden. Using rocks, sand, and 120 types of moss, he designed a tranquil garden that resembles a lush, green carpet where pilgrims and visitors can meditate and contemplate life. The temple and its spectacular garden, designated a special place of scenic beauty in Japan, is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A visit to Saiho-ji Temple is a uniquely Buddhist experience. Every visitor is asked to chant and write Buddhist scriptures – or sutra. A monk leads the chanting, and non-Japanese speakers and writers are offered a sheet on which to trace the characters. After, a stroll through the moss and rock gardens complete the experience.

Saiho-ji Temple is more commonly known as “Kokedera,” which translates to “Moss Temple.”