Saiho-ji (Koke-dera) in the Sunshine: A Refreshing Experience! ☀️🌿

#summervacay I visited Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera (the Moss Temple), on a beautifully sunny day, and it was full of energy! While it's true that moss might appear more vibrant after rain, no one ever mentioned how incredibly fresh and vibrant it looks in the sunshine. I even discovered moss growing in the water – what a surprise! The sutra copying activity was quite easy for us, being familiar with Chinese characters. I can only imagine the challenge for Western visitors, haha! The omamori (charms) were absolutely beautiful; I couldn't resist buying two. Saiho-ji is reservation-only, so you need to book your visit in advance via their official website. Because visitor numbers are limited, it made for a wonderfully serene and uncrowded experience. The atmosphere here is truly perfect for just sitting down, relaxing, and letting your mind wander. #saihoji #kokedera #mosstemple #kyoto #kyototravel #sutracopying #japanesegarden #zentemple #traveljapan #sereneescape