Saihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji), more commonly known as Kokedera (苔寺), is one of Kyoto's Unesco World Heritage Sites. Entrance to this temple requires an advance reservation. Kokedera means Moss Temple, referring to the temple garden's estimated 120 different varieties of moss. Outside of wint...
The temple was initially covered in white sand, and moss only formed when the temple was unable to upkeep the garden in its ideal condition. Today the temple is estimated to have approximately 120 kinds of moss and is included among the list of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ...