Moss enthusiasts, this one's for you. JR Tokai Tours has been offering its oddly specific 'Kyoto Moss Tour Passport' since July, but if you haven't gotten yours yet, there's still time – the ¥1,000 booklet is available until September 29. It's good for two consecutive days and allows entry into six Kyoto temples that contain moss gardens. (Strange, we know, but we promise they're all quite lovely.)
Given that buying separate tickets for all the six available temples would add up to more than twice the cost of the booklet, it's quite the bargain. To get your hands on the 'passport', you can purchase an e-ticket here, which you must then use to pick up your booklet in person at the JR Tokai Tours outlet in Kyoto Station (it's near the Hachijo Exit).
Read on for more info on the six available temples.
Shoren-in Temple (青蓮院)
The multiple gardens of Shoren-in Temple are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The moss garden specifically is near the main hall, not far from the tranquil Ryujin-no-ike Pond and its stone pagoda. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll find Hiyoshi Shrine hidden away in the back of the grounds among a bamboo grove. Fun fact: Shoren-in is one of only five temples in Kyoto whose head priests were once members of the imperial family.
Enkoji Temple (圓光寺)
One word describes Enkoji Temple: breathtaking. Founded by soon-to-be shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu himself in 1601, this gorgeous temple is the place to visit on this list, as it includes a Zen garden, a bamboo grove, a lovely little pond, a meditation hall and more. But you're here for the moss.
Just behind the Zen garden, you'll find the expansive moss garden, plus the aforementioned bamboo grove. Take a little hike just beyond the grove to see Ieyasu's grave, plus great views of the Rakuhoku neighbourhood below. Pro tip: Enkoji is stunning year-round – come back every season to see all the place has to offer.
Tofukuji Temple (東福寺)
With its numerous halls, gates, covered walkways and bridges, the ample grounds of Tofukuji Temple are a treat for architecture buffs. As for the gardens, head to the hojo – the head priest's former living quarters – in the centre of the precincts.
The hojo is surrounded on all sides by Zen gardens and moss, most notably the temple's iconic checkerboard pattern of stone tiles and moss on the northern side of the building. Normally an extra fee of ¥500 is required to see the hojo and its gardens, but fortunately your moss passport covers the fee.
Side note: not far from Tofukuji lies the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. The shrine is only about a 15-minute walk away, so feel free to swing by after your visit.
Jojakko-ji Temple (常寂光寺)
You won't find a designated moss garden at this Keicho-era (1596-1614) temple. Instead, practically the entire grounds of Jojakko-ji Temple are absolutely covered in the stuff, with plenty of Japanese maples and bamboo to boot. (Come back in autumn for the maples, trust us.)
It's a little bit of a hike to get to the temple proper and its accompanying 12m-tall pagoda, but the trek is worth the effort, as the views of the surrounding area are stunning. After your visit, we recommend heading to Gioji Temple, which is only about a 10-minute walk away.
Gioji Temple (祇王寺)
The verdant Gioji Temple is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away at the end of an unassuming side street in Arashiyama. With its quaint thatched-roof hut, what this little temple lacks in grandeur it makes up for in charm and tranquillity.
The whole area is covered in green, but no part more so than the moss garden smack dab in the middle of the temple grounds. The garden even includes what we're dubbing 'the moss shelf', a table with various bowls exhibiting just a few of the dozens of moss species you'll see in the garden.
Sanzen-in Temple (三千院)
Like Shoren-in Temple above, Sanzen-in Temple is one of five temples in Kyoto where the head priests were once members of the imperial family. The temple is known for its two central gardens: Shuheki-en and Yusei-en. Shuheki-en literally translates to 'the garden that gathers green', but to get the most bang for your mossy buck, we suggest Yusei-en. (They're right next to each other anyway.)
Both gardens offer plenty to see, though the former is better for enjoying while sitting down, while the latter is better for strolling. Each garden represents only a small portion of the area, so feel free to wander about and explore the various halls of the temple grounds, and keep your eyes peeled for the adorable Warabe Jizo statues (pictured above).
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