Saihō-ji (Kyoto)

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
西芳寺
Religion
AffiliationIndependent Rinzai
(formerly Tenryū-ji)
DeityAmida Nyorai (Amitābha)
Location
Location56 Matsuo Jingatani-chō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
CountryJapan
Geographic coordinates34°59′33″N 135°41′03″E
Architecture
FounderGyōki (acc. legend)
(restored by Musō Soseki)
Completed1969-1978 (reconstruction)
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