Saihoji Temple (Koke-dera)

Saihoji Temple (Koke-dera)

Area

Kyoto city (Northern area)

Category

Museum / Gallery

Saihoji Temple, located in western Kyoto, is home to over 120 species of moss. In fact, the temple is nicknamed “Koke-dera”, or moss temple. The 1,200 year old temple is famous for its expansive, 35,000㎡ garden. The spacious garden grounds are covered in moss, and are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of a “Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto”. It is also designated as a national scenic spot. During the fall, the colored maple leaves contrast the vivid green moss beautifully. It is a sight you don’t want to miss, but you need to make a reservation before visiting the temple.

Basic Information

Address

56, Matsuo Jingatani-cho, Nishikyō-ku, Kyot

Phone

075-391-3631

Hours

Admission only by reservation (admission hours addressed in reservation)
*Usually from 10:00a.m. between July and September, and from 1:00p.m. in other months

Fee

over ¥3,000

Website

http://saihoji-kokedera.com/en

Access

FromKyoto Station

【Kyoto Sta.】Kyoto Bus No. 63 or 74 / for Koke-dera・Suzumushi-dera
→【Kokedera・Suzumushi-dera Bus Stop】→ about a 5-minute walk

FromTokyo Station

【Tokyo Sta.】Tokaido Shinkansen / for Shin-Osaka
→【Kyoto Sta.】Kyoto Bus No. 63 or 74 / for Koke-dera・Suzumushi-dera
→【Kokedera・Suzumushi-dera Bus Stop】→ about a 5-minute walk

FromKansai International Airport

【Kansai International Airport】Nankai Airport Line / for Namba
→【Shin-Imamiya Sta.】JR Osaka Loop Line / for Nishi-Kujo
→【Osaka Sta.】JR Kyoto Line / for Kyoto
→【Kyoto Sta.】Kyoto Bus No. 63 or 74 / for Koke-dera・Suzumushi-dera
→【Kokedera・Suzumushi-dera Bus Stop】→ about a 5-minute walk