Magic temple gardens with 120 varieties of moss.
Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera or the Moss Temple, is a must see for garden lovers. Particularly beautiful in the rainy months (June and September), the velvety carpet of moss that stretches between the trees is a sight of tranquility. There are believed to be around 120 varieties of moss in the garden, in all shades of green. The temple grounds were created in 1339 by the Zen priest, Muso Kokushi, also a renowned landscape architect. The garden is divided into two halves, including a classic kokoro heart-shaped pond and a raked gravel landscape believed to be the first of its kind and which serves as the inspiration for many Japanese gardens.
The entrance to the Saiho-ji Temple and its gardens is by appointment only, Only One Travel can organize it in advance of your trip. As part of the visit, you will be invited to participate in temple activities, including Buddhist chanting and copying the scriptures of the sutras. This meditative experience is designed to enhance visitor appreciation of the gardens.