“A garden of whispers, they call it.” Saiho-ji, better known as Koke-dera, the Moss Temple. Right now, you might be wondering why. Saiho-ji seems a world away from the bustling streets of Kyoto. Founded long ago, in 731, this temple wasn’t always a haven for moss. It began as a temple of the Hossō Sect, a testament to the enduring faith of the Japanese people. However, time, as it often does, brought change. Fires ravaged Saiho-ji, not once, but multiple times throughout its history. Floods followed, leaving their mark on the land. It was from these ashes and waters that the moss emerged. Over a century, it blanketed the gardens, transforming Saiho-ji into the ethereal spectacle you see today. As you stroll through this verdant wonderland, take a moment to appreciate the delicate beauty of over 120 varieties of moss underfoot. It is a testament to the temple’s resilience, a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Each patch whispers a tale of survival, of beauty emerging from unforeseen circumstances.
西慶寺
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
After discovering the story of 西慶寺 in Kyoto, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Kyoto while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way.
Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Kyoto. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Kyoto directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful.
Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Kyoto. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive.
Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Kyoto. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Kyoto with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.
More Places in Kyoto
Hirakata Park
Curious about a place where laughter echoes through generations? That’s Hirakata Park. This isn’t just any amusement park. Hirakata Park
Kyoto terrsa
Kyoto Terrsa. A vibrant hub in central Kyoto. It isn’t just a building. It is a place where the community
Mt. Tatsugao
Did you know Kyoto is nestled amongst protective peaks? Mt. Tatsugao is one such guardian, standing tall at 924 meters