Saihoji Temple

We wished we had more time to spend at Saihoji Temple. It's also known as the moss temple, as much of its grounds are covered in moss.

We only spent an hour at Saihoji Temple, as I had unfortunately scheduled other activities that forced us to leave before we wanted to. So if you go here, I recommend giving this place more of your time in your schedule.

Because Saihoji Temple makes it so difficult to get in, it's quiet and not crowded with tourists. You have to mail a post card or letter to them weeks or months in advance to request permission to visit. Since we were just a few weeks before our vacation when I learned of this place, I asked one of our reserved places of lodging to mail the post card for me, which they did.

The first part of your visit at Saihoji Temple, where you're guided by staff, is difficult for non-Japanese speakers. Virtually no English was used at all. So it was a challenge for us to understand what to do. My basic Japanese did little for me. But we got through it.

They have you sit on the floor and copy sutra for a while. They don't allow photography in the buildings. Eventually they let you go and you're free to walk along the trails through their beautiful grounds where you're allowed to photograph. This is where we wanted to take our time and wish we had allowed more time in our schedule for it.

Be aware that some portions of the trails have stone stairs and are steep with no handrails. So walking Saijoji's trails might not be suitable for the frail or unfit.

Want to get away from the crowds, noise, and hubbub and explore one of Japan's most beautiful gardens? Consider Saihoji Temple.