History:

is an important Zen temple located in the city of Kyoto. Founded in 1339 by Musō Soseki, it is one of the oldest Zen temples in the country and an important site of pilgrimage. The temple is known for its lush, sprawling garden, including the famous Moss Garden, which is considered a masterwork of Japanese garden design. Saihō-ji is also known as one of the most important temples in the Rinzai Zen tradition and is famous for its role in the reformation of the Rinzai school in the late 15th century. The temple is still active today and is open to visitors who wish to experience the serenity of the temple gardens or to practice Zen meditation. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Saihō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. 2. Also known as the Moss Temple, it is a popular tourist destination featuring various gardens covered in up to 120 different varieties of moss. 3. Built in the mid-14th century, the temple is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. 4. The temple is renowned for its unique feature of a river running through it - the Ninose River. 5. Saihō-ji is also known as the “garden of many eyes” due to the abundant amounts of eyespots found throughout the moss gardens. 6. The temple is visited by thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the moss and streams. 7. Saihō-ji is one of Kyoto's most famous and iconic temples and offers a unique insight into ancient Japanese culture and design. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

Saihō-ji is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Japan, known for its tranquil atmosphere and its lush, mossy gardens. The temple is associated with the Shingon-shu, one of the major branches of Japanese Buddhism, and its worship method is similar to that of other Shingon temples. The key elements of the method include meditation, chanting of mantras, and the offering of gifts or donations such as incense, paper money, or food. Devotees will first purify the body and mind in preparation for worship by sprinkling themselves with water and reciting a vow of purity. They will then proceed to the main hall to make offerings of gratitude, incense, and paper money to the sacred statues. After offering these gifts, the devotees will chant the nembutsu which is a representation of Amida Buddha’s name. If other rituals are to be performed, such as the offering of food, this is done after the nembutsu chanting has been completed. Once these rituals are concluded, the devotees will then enter a period of meditation. This is usually done in silence, focusing on the presence of the sacred statues. At the conclusion of the meditation, the devotees will then pray for the entrance into Amida Buddha’s Pure Land and then leave the premises. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Saihō-ji is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day. The time may vary hence it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Saihō-ji can be reached by train, bus or car from various points throughout Japan. By Train: From Tokyo, take JR Yamanote line to Hiratsuka Station and take the JR Yokosuka Line to Chigasaki Station. Take the bus to Saihō-ji Temple (only available on weekends and holidays). By Bus: From Tokyo, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Gosho-machi and get off at Saihō-ji Temple (only on weekends and holidays). By Car: From Tokyo, take the Shuto Expressway and Chigasaki IC. Follow Route 135 and turn left at the Oguchi IC entrance on Route 134. Follow Route 134 and turn right onto Saihō-ji Temple Entrance Road. famous temples in Japan