Saihō-ji (西芳寺) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Matsuo, Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple, which is famed for its moss garden, is commonly referred to as "Koke-dera" (苔寺), meaning "moss temple", while the formal name is "Kōinzan Saihō-ji" (洪隠山西芳寺). The temple, primarily constructed to honor Amitābha, was founded by Gyōki and later restored by Musō Soseki. In 1994, Saihō-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". Over 120 types of moss are present in the two-tiered garden, resembling a beautiful green carpet with many subtle shades.
Saihō-ji (Kyoto)
Moss garden of Saihō-ji, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site
Golden Pond, in the center of the moss garden.
Image: Saiho ji, Kyoto
Moss lawns are lawns composed of moss, which occur naturally, but can also be cultivated like grass lawns. They are a defining element in moss gardens.
Moss garden at the Kōzan-ji temple in Shimonoseki, Japan
Red moss cultivated on a green roof
Removing weeds by hand from a thin area of Kenroku-en, a famous garden.
A light and moisture gradient at the Kokedera moss garden, Saihō-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan. Note multiple different moss types.
