Saiho-ji Temple, Kyoto.

A World Cultural Heritage site, Saiho-ji Temple is named after a phrase left by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism: "The patriarch came from the west, and the five leaves are in full bloom." Built between 729 and 748, it was once the villa of Prince Shotoku, a legendary figure of the Asuka Period (592–710). The garden of Saiho-ji Temple is one of the oldest gardens in Japan. More than 120 mosses grow under the maple trees, forming a luxurious carpet, which gives Saiho-ji Temple its nickname "Moss Temple." Saiho-ji Temple is like a delicate garden, with the garden divided into upper and lower gardens. Muso Soseki incorporated Zen into the garden, creating a scene of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. (The dry landscape of the upper garden is not open to the public, so you won't be able to see it in its entirety.) This is one of the scenes in the novel "Homecoming" by writer Jiro Osaragi, and is said to be a favorite of Steve Jobs. It was once the most difficult temple to visit in Kyoto. The reservation system limits the number of visitors, maximizing the experience. Stepping into Saiho-ji Temple, you can feel the gentleness and tranquility of nature, and in the dappled light and shadow of the maple trees, you can almost hear the whispers of history. The sutra copying activity in the main hall is a meditative process that allows you to temporarily forget the troubles of the world. Saiho-ji Temple in the maple season is breathtakingly beautiful, with maple leaves dancing in the wind, streams gurgling, and birds chirping, making you feel relaxed and happy.