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Saihoji Temple was opened to the public in 1928. Nicknamed The Moss Temple, it is well known throughout Japan and the world for the over 120 types of beautiful moss covering the whole garden. After the war, it was the setting for the famous novel Kikyo by Osaragi Jiro. During the 1950s, a gardening boom drew even more attention, including globally, to Saihoji.
We were, of course, happy to share the beauty of our beloved temple with so many people. But as the number of visitors increased so too did a number of problems onsite and in the surrounding area: litter, noise, automobile exhaust, traffic accidents, and so forth. During the 1970s, we took every conceivable measure with administrative authorities and neighboring residents to solve the problem.
Though mitigating the effects, these measures did not completely resolve the issue, and so from 1977 we decided to implement a small-group visiting system, with reservations made through postcard (or regular mail for visitors from abroad).※1 This decision also helped us to maintain the authenticity of Saihoji as a functioning Zen temple—that is, a place of religious practice where visitors enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for prayer or meditation—rather than a commercial temple.
※1 From June 1st, 2021, online application is also available(only in Japanese).English version is now being prepared. Thank you for your understanding.
From September 1st, 2022, the acceptance period for reservations using round-trip postcards for those living Japan will be changed. Please see "For those living Japan" for details.
For those living abroad
| Pre-reservation by air-mail | We will accept reservations from 2 months before your desired visit date. For reservations, please send a sealed letter so that it reaches us at least 1 month before your desired visit date. |
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| How to reserve |
For reservation, please send a sealed letter with the following three articles, to the reception. ① Paper with a few preferred/possible visiting dates, total number of visitors, representative’s name, address and phone number. We recieve many requests for reservations especially for Saturdays and holidays, Rainy season (June) and Autumn. We recommend you to apply as soon as possible. Your chance of getting your preferred date will increase, with more alternative dates. [How to reserve] The letter should contain the following three articles: ① A note detailing your preferred/possible visiting dates, total number of visitors, and the group representative’s name, address, and phone number.
 ② A return envelope or postcard with a return address and name.
Click here for more info：http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/service/int_coupon_en.html |
| Address | 56, Matsuo Jingatanichō, Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan To : Saihoji Temple Worship Clerk |
For those living Japan
| Pre-reservation through round trip postcard | We will accept reservations from 2 months before your desired visit date. For reservations, please send a round-trip postcard so that all postcards must be postmarked by 2 weeks before your desired visit date. |
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| How to reserve |
① The postcard should contain the following articles: - A note detailing your preferred/possible visiting dates, total number of visitors, and the group representative’s name, address, and phone number.
 ② We will send you a reply after we have received your letter.
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| Address | 56, Matsuo Jingatanichō, Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, 615-8286, Japan To : Saihoji Temple Worship Clerk |
2020.3.3：”Winter Visit” from January to March in 2020 has ended.
Details on the future plans will be announced around October in 2020.