Saihō-ji

In the middle of Japan, namely in its old capital, called Kyoto, the magnificent Mkhov Saykhodzi garden, which is a real attraction of the whole country and has another name – moss garden, has spread out. This amazing landscape park was formed near the Kokedar Temple, which brings a Buddhist religion. The temple structure was erected by the monk Göki back in the time of Nar, which falls on 710-794.

Even at that time, a beautiful temple was surrounded by a garden that had water bodies. In these small lakes, among the trees, it was possible to ride a boat or moor to the islet and relax in a specially designed gazebo.

But, unfortunately, the garden was destroyed when merciless wars took place here. These structures passed through the flame of fire and were flooded with water. A talented gardener took up the restoration of the Lower Garden in 1339. This famous gardener monk named Muso Soseki did not have time to complete the work, but his capable pupils managed to support the local beauty.

The whole garden of Mkhov Saykhodzi has many different symbols that are understandable to people who know the Japanese language, as well as the culture of this country.

In the shape of the hieroglyph, even a small pond is made here, which is supplemented by three small islands. It seems natural to an ordinary person, but disassembled people here can see the symbol « of the heart », which means a combination with natural wealth.

There is also a stone waterfall, which is close to 600 years old. The entire Saykhodzi park is divided into two levels – lower and upper. On the upper – the garden of stones reigns, and the entire lower one is dedicated to mosses. The variety of manually planted plants is simply staggering. The local laconic compositions complement each other, harmoniously fit into the overall picture.

Mosses, which are an integral part of the modern Saykhodzi Garden, were not provided for in the original project. Previously, all the space that belongs to them today was captured by white sand. The mosses began to appear here on their own around the Meiji era, when funding for garden care was not up to par. But, in the future, the Japanese liked the idea of covering the garden with a fluffy blanket. These unusual point-blocking of trees have created a unique garden masterpiece, which is very popular among tourists. In this place you can count at least 130 species of moss. Here, literally everything, from trunks, stumps to stones and paths, is covered with a chic natural carpet of blooming moss.

The so-called « contemplation stone » attracts special attention to itself, which was called with the help of the local ruler of the XIV century - Asikag Yesimitsu, who loved to sit on this stone, to admire the garden. This amazing place attracted him greatly and inspired him.

The Mkhov Saykhodzi Garden has long been unavailable to ordinary visitors. The influx of numerous tourists from all over the world had a negative impact on the condition and appearance of the park, especially mosses. Given this factor, the government decided to close the garden from publicity, and after that it was taken under the protection of UNESCO.

In order to try the park, you must send a letter in advance in which you indicate the desired date of visit and the return address. The monastery, considering letters, decides for itself whether to give you permission or not. If the answer is yes, then you will definitely receive a approving response. But, having arrived in Kyoto, it will be necessary to pay for the entrance to the Saykhodzi garden, which is approximately $ 30.