2015 Fall Photo Tour of Japan | Kokedera Saihoji

Feb 20 | Evan | No Comments |

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Kokedera, The Moss Garden Temple also called Saihoji.  Kokedera, which is located west of Kyoto in the Arashiyama area, does require advance reservations (I’d recommend at least a few weeks or a month and give multiple dates if you can) and an entrance fee of 3000 yen per person but is 100% worth visiting, especially in the Fall with Autumn’s leaves!  Quick note for photographer’s tripods are not allowed.

When you visit Kokedera, first you will attend a short service and have the chance to practice your Japanese calligraphy by writing a sutra.   Don’t worry though, you won’t get graded and the Japanese characters are lightly printed so you are basically tracing the sutra at Kokedera.  Most of the seating will be on the floor though there are some tables outside the main hall with chairs.  You should arrive 15 minutes ahead of your reservation time at Kokedea, especially if you or somebody in your group will want a chair.  When you are finished with the sutra, you will be free to explore the beautiful temple grounds, the main garden of which is almost completely covered by moss.  For more information about how to make a reservation at Kokedera, take a look at Japan-Guide’s website.

The 2015 Fall Photography Tour of Japan included Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Okayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Kyoto!  Interesting in joining your own escorted tour of Japan with Japan Photo Guide?  Contact us to get the planning of your trip to Japan started or join one of the group tours of Japan!