Kyoto's Saiho-ji Temple: A Rainy Moss Island in Memory

Some places exist not for the hustle and bustle, but for those who seek tranquility. Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto—also known as the Moss Temple—is one such place. It feels like a small island hidden in the crevices of time, quietly opening its green doors only during gentle rain. 🌱 A World Embraced by the Sound of Rain On that drizzly day, mist slowly rose at the foot of the mountain. The air was moist and soft, carrying the gentle scent of soil and moss. The garden of Saiho-ji Temple doesn’t boast blooming flowers or dazzling colors; instead, it captivates with a serene expanse of green. Raindrops fell on the moss, as if landing on a silent page of poetry. Walking past the pond, curved bridges, and stone paths, each step felt light, as though afraid to disturb the timelessness of this place. Words are unnecessary here; simply being present is enough. Listen to the wind and rain recount tales of the past, and let your inner self quietly settle. This is not an ordinary visit—it’s more like a slow journey of breathing in harmony with nature. 🌱 Sutra Writing: A Letter to Yourself Before entering the garden, visitors are guided to a hall where they spread out sutra scrolls, dip their brushes in ink, and begin writing. Sutra writing is not about faith or seeking blessings; it’s a moment to step away from the noise of information and return to the simplicity of lines and breaths. In that soft light, what emerges between paper and pen might be a long-lost sense of self. ☁️ Reservation Details｜Advance application required (no entry without reservation) • You can fill out an online application form on the Saiho-ji Temple website and visit on the specified date (usually after receiving a mailed notification). • If you’re in Japan, you can mail an application letter to the temple (include a self-addressed return envelope). ☁️ Admission Fee｜4,000 yen + 110 yen handling fee, includes sutra writing experience and garden entry ☁️ Opening Hours｜Morning ☁️ Transportation｜ • Take the JR line to "Saga-Arashiyama Station," transfer to a city bus to "Kokedera/Suzumushi-dera Mae" stop, then walk about 10 minutes. • Along the way, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s outskirts. Walking with an umbrella is recommended to better appreciate the details of the scenery. ⸻ Here, time feels moist and slow, moss whispers in the rain, and the heart naturally quiets down. Saiho-ji Temple is not a place to "see" but a place to "be"—like a journey without haste, a gentle conversation with oneself. If life has an ideal island, it might be hidden in the mossy hues of Kyoto’s gentle rain.