Kyoto - Saiho-ji Temple

Saihoji Temple, of the Rinzai sect, was probably founded in the 12th C and rebuilt in 1339 by a priest named Muso-kokushi, who was also a notable landscape gardener. In the lower part of the Zen garden surrounding the temple are a lake with a much-indented shoreline and a teahouse, which probably dates from the Momo-yama period. The garden is particularly noted for the 40 different species of moss, which have earned it the name of the Kokedera ("Moss Temple"). In the face of the increasing numbers of visitors it has been found necessary to lay down a limit of 200 people a day, and accordingly prospective visitors must make written application at least three months in advance.