Description

Kokedera ('Moss Temple') features four and a half acres of garden with 22 types of moss under dark trees. The garden was conceived aid contemplation, an earthly rendition of paradise surrounding Buddha, and it is best seen in early summer, during the rainy season, as light shimmers on the mosses. The dry garden (kare sansui) here was perhaps the first of its kind in Japan. One of the two teahouses has been designated a national treasure. Up to 1977, the temple and garden were open freely to the public, but, due to the large number of visitors, special permission has to be arranged. Japan Travel Bureau may be able to help with your application. Photography is permitted. Admission is JPY3,000.