Saihoj (also known as "kokedera," moss temple) is one of Kyoto's more
unique temples: not only do you have to reserve in advance using a
special postcard, but you also have to make a 3,000-yen "donation" in
order to get in. Before you get to stroll the moss gardens, you first
must sit seiza and copy a sutra longhand using a brush and inkstone. Once you've finished copying your sutra, you write down your name,
address, and a wish, and then you're free to tour the gardens.
There
are over 120 kinds of moss, and the garden is arranged around a central
pond with rocks representing the kanji character for "heart." The moss
is the star attraction here, as many of the original wooden pavilions
are now missing.
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| Photo credit: EYLC on Flickr |
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