Kyoto·Saihoji Temple｜Moss Island in the Rain in Memory

Some places do not exist for bustle, but only for quiet people.
Kyoto's Saihoji Temple, also known as the Moss Temple, is such a place. It is like an island hidden in the cracks of time, without noise or disturbance, and only gently opens the green door when the drizzle continues.

🌱 A world embraced by the sound of rain

It was drizzling that day, and the mist slowly rose at the foot of the mountain. The air was moist and soft, with a gentle breath of soil and moss. The garden of Saihoji Temple has no blooming flowers, nor does it rely on dazzling colors. It captures people's hearts with a whole piece of quiet green.
The drizzle fell on the moss, like falling into a silent page of poetry. Walking along the pond, the curved bridge, and the stone path, the footsteps were so light that it seemed as if I was afraid of disturbing the years here.

There is no need for too many words here, just exist quietly. Listen to the wind and rain talk about the past, and listen to the sedimentation of the heart bit by bit. This is not an ordinary worship, but more like a slow journey to breathe with nature.

🌱Writing sutras is a letter to yourself

Before entering the garden, you will be guided into the hall, spread out the sutras, dip the ink and pick up the pen. Writing sutras is not for belief, nor for seeking blessings, it just allows people to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of information and return to the pure lines and breathing.

Under that thin light, what emerges between the paper and the pen may be a long-lost self.

☁️ Reservation method｜Apply for worship in advance (no reservation is allowed)

• You can fill out the online application form on the official website of Saiho-ji Temple and go on the designated date (usually you need to wait for the mail notification after applying).

• If you are in Japan, you can mail the application letter to the temple (with a return envelope).

☁️ Admission fee｜4,000 yen + 110 yen handling fee, including sutra writing experience and admission

☁️ Opening hours｜Morning

☁️ Transportation｜
• Take JR to "Saga Arashiyama Station", transfer to the municipal bus to "Mosedera・Suzumushijimae" station, and then walk for about 10 minutes.
• You can feel the quiet atmosphere of the suburbs of Kyoto along the way. It is recommended to walk slowly with an umbrella to appreciate the details of the scenery.

🌱🌱🌱🌱

Here, time is moist and slow, the moss whispers in the rain, and the heart calms down.
Saihoji is not a place you go to "see", but a place to "stay" - like a journey without rushing, a gentle dialogue with yourself.

If there is an ideal island in life, it is probably hidden in a piece of moss in the drizzle of Kyoto.