Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 or for more than ten centuries. Today, Kyoto is a treasure house of historical and religious traditions and the birthplace of the traditional arts and crafts. It is famous for its 2.000 temples and shrines including the often photographed Kinkakuji, the three-story golden pavilion covered in gold leaf. Nijo Castle was originally built in 1603 which was used as temporary residence of government Kiyomizu Temple was established in 778 and reconstructed in 1633.
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Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, the tranquil Saiho-ji Temple is renowned for its large and lush moss garden, which blankets the varied terrain with its multiplicity of moss spreading underneath the trees. The effect is beautiful and rather otherworldly. Although you are required to reserve your visit ahead of time, TRJ can facilitate the whole reservation process.
What is remarkable about the moss garden is that it was never planned to be covered in moss. When Muso Kokushi, a famous landscape architect, refurbished the garden in 1339, the moss naturally grew, with no help from external forces. The fact that this garden’s beauty was only half planned by a man makes it genuinely sublime.
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