Saihō-ji, Buddhist temple and garden in Nishikyō-ku, Japan
This Rinzai Zen temple contains two gardens with over 120 moss varieties covering stones, pathways, and tree roots across multiple levels of landscaping.
The temple, founded by monk Gyoki in the 8th century, underwent transformation in 1339 when Musō Soseki established the model for Zen gardens in Japan.
Saihō-ji requires visitors to participate in sutra copying with a monk before accessing the gardens, maintaining traditional Buddhist practices.
Reaching the temple requires advance reservations, a 4000 yen entrance fee, and a 20-minute walk from Matsuo Taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line.
The temple garden closes during winter months to protect its extensive moss collection, offering zazen meditation sessions instead of regular garden visits.
Location: Nishikyō Ward
Inception: 1339
Founders: Gyōki, Musō Soseki
Architects: Jirō Murata
Part of: Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Address: 京都府京都市西京区松尾神ヶ谷町56 615-8281
Website: https://intosaihoji.com/en/booking/nichinichi
GPS coordinates: 34.99250,135.68417
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:50
Togetsu-kyō
2.3 km
Katsura Imperial Villa
2.5 km
Arashiyama
2 km
Matsunoo Taisha
872 m
Bamboo Forest
2.5 km
Kurumazaki Shrine
2.6 km
Kegon-ji
140 m
Hōrin-ji
2.1 km
Tsukiyomi Shrine
482 m
Iwatayama Monkey Park
2 km
Denden-gū
2 km
Rokuō-in
2.7 km
Fukuda Art Museum
2.5 km
Shigureden
2.5 km
Hebizuka Kofun
2.6 km
Hōgon-in
2.7 km
Rinsen-ji
2.5 km
Jizō-in
286 m
Jōjū-ji
500 m
Ichitani Munakata Shrine
2.2 km
Tenno-no-mori Kofun
1.7 km
Katagihara Temple Ruins
2.5 km
Chōfuku-ji
1.9 km
Ōi Shrine
2.5 km
Matsuo Bridge
1.1 km
Kamino Bridge
2 km
Nishi-Ōhashi
2.3 km
Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture
2.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes