Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera Temple)

What is Koke-dera Temple?
Koke-dera Temple is formally known as Saiho-ji Temple and is a Rinzai sect temple founded by Buddhist monk, Gyoki under the royal command of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period (710-794). During the Heian period (794-1185), Kukai, grandmaster who propagated Buddhism and founder of the Shingon sect, worshipped here. It became a Jodo sect temple and training hall during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), under Honenshonin, a religious reformer, before facing devastation. It later became a Zen temple and training ground during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) under Buddhist monk Musokokushi, who had gained the devotion of Emperor Godaigo and Ashikaga Takauji, founder of the Ashikaga shogunate. Musokokushi was also a well-known landscapist and used the slopes and inclines of the mountain to create a two-part temple garden. The upper level is a dry landscape garden and the lower level was created around a pond.
Around the pond of the lower level of the temple garden are over 120 types of blue moss that spreads across the land like a green carpet. From this beautiful appearance, Saiho-ji Temple got the name Koke-dera (Moss Temple).
Currently, the general public cannot worship at this temple. Only those who participate in religious ceremonies such as, sutra chanting and hand-copying sutra are allowed to worship here. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, along with his family came to worship at Koke-dera incognito.
Access
2-3 minute walk from the "Saiho-ji Suzumushi-dera" stop (final stop) on the Kyoto Bus #73 or #83 (both going toward "Saiho-ji Suzumushi-dera"). 10 minute taxi ride from JR Saga Arashiyama Station.
Description: Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera Temple)
Sights | Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera Temple) (苔寺(西芳寺)) |
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Rating | ![]() |
Address |
615-1153 Kyoto, Saikyo-ku, Matsuo Jingatani-cho 56 京都府京都市西京区松尾神ケ谷町56 |
Phone / Fax | Phone: 075-391-3631 |
Website | http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/isan/saihouji.html |
Duration | 1Hour(s) |
Closed dates | Specific dates |
Admission Fee | Pay admission: 3,000yen |
Recommended Season |
Spring (March - May)
Summer (June - August)
Autumn (September - November)
Winter (December - February)
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Recommended target | Family Couples Groups Child (ages 7-17) Adult (ages 20+) Single traveller |
Map: Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-dera Temple)