Kokedera (Moss Garden Temple)

babibubebo | 4 07 2006

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Kokedera (Moss Garden) in Kyoto is home to 22 different kinds of moss. Basically it is a garden where moss is covering most of the ground. It is believed to be the first designed garden with moss in Japan. I went during the fall and the autumn leaves were especially beautiful situated against the mostly green moss garden. I have been told that summer, during the rainy season, is a nice time to visit as the sunlight does wonders to the beads of water on the moss…that is of course, assuming it is not raining while you visit.

Of course like most places in Japan, fall is also a lovely time to go. The admission fee is a little steep (3000 yen and you NEED a reservation which should be made as early as possible due to the high demand of visitors) and while I thought it was worth it, I think I will not go again. That being said, I would be lying if I told you that I think you will be disappointed if you go, because it is a very beautiful and relaxing place.

Finding contact and access information has been a little hard on the internet for some reason, but I will post more information when I have it. In the meantime here are some telephone numbers (maybe they can speak English).

615.8286 (from Japan)

81(0)75.391.3631 (from outside of Japan)

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Categories: Best of the Best
Tags: autumn, autumn leaves, Fall Leaves, Gardens, green moss, Kansai, Kokedera, Kyoto, Moss Garden, Nature, Temple, UNESCO
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4 responses

Thanks for the photos. I am a moss lover.

Annie Martin | 4 10 2007

Thanks for the photos. I am a moss lover. And… I live in a parallel ecosystem to Japan… the mountains of western North Carolina. And… my county… has an incredible rainfall… I also am a serious moss gardener. I am particularly interested in being in contact with other moss folks. If you know any contact name in Kyoto at any of the moss gardens, I would appreciate your help. Not a botanist, nor an expert in briophytes… but I do have at least 50 different varieties in my own moss garden. Currently, I am preparing a proposal for creating a public moss garden. Therefore, I would like to seek professional advice, consultation or just find a moss friend in Japan.
Thanks
Annie

Hey Annie, Thanks for stopping buy and glad you like

babibubebo | 5 10 2007

Hey Annie,

Thanks for stopping buy and glad you like the photos. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who is would be considered a professional in the field of moss, but maybe somebody else who sees this page will! Good luck with the moss garden!

[...] Kokedera, aka Moss Garden Temple, has a fairly large

Japan Photo of the Week: Japan’s Top Fall Spots Part 4 : Japan Probe | 27 10 2007

[...] Kokedera, aka Moss Garden Temple, has a fairly large garden and temple grounds covered with, well, moss. In the fall, the moss looks great with the reds, oranges and yellows; however, there are two drawbacks. You need a reservation and the price for admission is 3000 yen, but for one time, I thought it was worth it. Also they give you a time limit, but when I was there I didn’t notice anyone getting kicked out for staying too long. For more photos and access information take a look at the Japan Photo Guide. [...]