Kokedera (Moss Temple)

Saihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji), famously known as Kokedera (苔寺) or the Moss Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. Renowned for its stunning moss garden featuring around 120 moss varieties, Kokedera offers a serene experience that has influenced Japanese garden design for centuries. Originally a villa of Prince Shotoku, it became a Zen temple in 1339 under Muso Soseki, who also created the iconic gardens. A stroll through the lush landscape is an unforgettable highlight outside of winter.

Visitors can also participate in sacred practices, including chanting and copying Buddhist sutras, making it a deeply spiritual experience. During winter, when the garden rests, visitors can admire the temple's exquisite sliding screen paintings or join zazen meditation sessions. Advance reservations are required for this enchanting journey into Japan's spiritual and artistic heritage.