Saiho-ji Temple (Moss Temple)

UNESCO World Heritage

西芳寺（苔寺）

Saiho-ji is often called Kokedera, the Moss Temple, because about 120 kinds of moss cover its grounds like a green carpet. It is said to have been founded in the Nara period, and in 1339 the garden master Muso Soseki restored it. The garden has two levels: a dry rock garden above and a pond garden below, with a pond shaped like the Japanese character for "heart". It is part of the World Heritage site. You must reserve in advance, and every visitor copies a sutra before seeing the garden.

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Visitor information

Admission: From 4,000 yen per person, plus a 110 yen system fee per person for online booking. Cancellation: free up to 4 days before, 50% from 3 days to 1 day before, 100% on the day.
Getting there: From Kyoto Station, Kyoto Bus line 73 (about 60 minutes) to the "Kokedera, Suzumushi-dera" stop, then 3 minutes' walk. A taxi takes about 20 minutes (about 3,500–4,000 yen). There is no parking.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Reservation is required. Apply in advance by postcard or online; the temple has used small-group, advance-booking visits since 1977.
Online booking (Basic Visit, Nichi-nichi Sanpai): from 2 months before your visit until 23:59 Japan time the day before. Up to 2 people per booking, paid by credit card only. Date and time cannot be changed.
Only visitors aged 13 and over can join the regular visit. Children can visit only on special child-friendly days held a few times a year.
Every visitor is asked to copy a sutra (a Buddhist text) to calm the mind before visiting the garden.
Photos are allowed in the garden, but do not leave the path or block it. No eating on the grounds; only drinks in lidded bottles may be brought in.
The temple is not wheelchair accessible.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Visits are by advance application only, by postcard or online.
The temple describes its daily visit as starting with Buddhist sutra copying (shakyo), followed by time in the garden.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.