Buddhist temple
Saihō-ji
西芳寺（さいほうじ）
Nishikyō, Kyoto
A Rinzai Zen temple in Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto, a World Heritage site known as Koke-dera (the moss temple). In its main hall, the Sairai-dō, Amida Nyorai, associated with Gyōki, is enshrined as the principal image.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Amida Nyorai
History and things to know
According to the official guide, its origin is said to be the Hossō temple Saihō-ji (西方寺) founded by Gyōki in 731; in the early Kamakura period it welcomed Hōnen and became a Jōdo temple. In Ryakuō 2 (1339) Musō Kokushi revived it as a Zen temple and changed its name to Saihō-ji (西芳寺), and its garden is said to have later become the model for the gardens of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Visits require advance application, made through the visiting information on the official website.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 西芳寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.