Kyoto, Japan
Saihoji, the Moss Temple: when to book a visit
Two months ahead, on the same calendar date, online on the temple’s into Saihoji site, until 23:59 Japan time the day before: on 20 October 2026, dates up to 20 December were open. Every visit starts with copying a sutra.
- When does booking open?
- Two months ahead, on the same calendar date. The temple does not publish the hour a new date opens. On 20 October 2026 the calendar was open up to 20 December, with a few days (8, 16 and 19 December) marked as having no visits. Last winter the temple paused daily visits from 6 January to 27 February 2026, announced on 15 October 2025; this winter’s plans were not announced by 20 October 2026, so check its news page before booking January or February. Booking closes at 23:59 JST the day before.
- How far ahead is that?
- Up to 2 months ahead, and no later than the day before.
- Where do I book?
- Online on into Saihoji, the temple’s official site, in English, paid by card. Or by airmail from abroad, arriving 2 months to 1 month before, paid in cash on the day.
- Does it sell out?
- Slowly, going by one look at the calendar: at 21:54 JST on 15 October 2026, only the next two days were full for general visitors and most of late October had few places left, while every date in November, the leaf season, and in early December was open. The temple publishes no figures.
- Can I cancel or change?
- Free until 4 days before; 50% from 3 days before to the day before; 100% on the day. The 110 yen fee is never refunded. Names and the number of visitors can be changed on My Page, but not the date or time: cancel and book again.
Checked 20 October 2026
How to book
Book on into Saihoji, run by the temple’s Saihokai association, with a free account, the name of every visitor and a credit card (the only way to pay online). A visit is from 4,000 yen per person, plus a 110 yen fee per person, paid when you book. Visitors from abroad can book online.
Pick a date, then an entry time; the times vary by day (in early December 2026, every half hour from 9:30 to 11:00). There is no garden-only visit: everyone copies a sutra in the main hall before walking the garden, about 60 minutes in all.
Without internet, an airmail letter that arrives 2 months to 1 month before the visit works too, with a return envelope and an International Reply Coupon, paid in cash at reception.
If it’s sold out
Look again in the days before your date: cancellation is free until 4 days before, so places can come back. There is no walk-in entry: every visit is booked at least a day ahead.
Members of the Saihokai Supporters’ Program (15,000 yen a year) get priority times, but the member must come in person.
Booking for a group
A booking is for at most 2 people, and everyone must be 13 or older. A third or fourth person needs their own account and booking, so a family of four makes two bookings, ideally at the same time.
The temple asks larger groups not to come together: its FAQ says five or more, its visit page says more than five.
Good to know
- If you are running late you are still let in; contact the temple if you will be more than 30 minutes late.
- Photos are allowed on the garden paths but not inside; tripods and selfie sticks are not.
- Taxis stop about 100 m before the gate, and there is no parking. The paths have steps and gravel and are not wheelchair accessible.
Sources
- into Saihoji: online reservations (official): Book from 2 months before the visit until 11:59 p.m. Japan time the day before; from 4,000 yen; card only; up to 2 people; 13 or older; free cancellation until 4 days before, 50% from 3 days to 1 day, 100% on the day; the 110 yen fee is not refunded.
- into Saihoji: Nichi-nichi Sanpai reservation calendar (official): On 20 October 2026, dates up to 20 December were open and 21 December onward not yet; 8, 16 and 19 December shown without visits; entry times per day; members-only slots need the member to visit.
- into Saihoji: Nichi-nichi Sanpai (official): Booking at least a day ahead with an account and each visitor’s name; about 60 minutes; two people per visit; no groups of more than five.
- into Saihoji: visits paused in January and February 2026 (official notice, in Japanese): Posted 15 October 2025: daily visits (Nichi-nichi Sanpai) pause from 6 January to 27 February 2026 for work on the grounds; seasonal visits (Ori-ori Sanpai) go on.
- into Saihoji: FAQ (official): Names and numbers can change but not the date or time; no groups of five or more; 13 and over; no garden-only visits; late arrivals accepted; taxis stop 100 m before the gate; no parking.
- Saihoji: reservation by airmail or return postcard (official): Airmail received from 2 months to 1 month before; cash at reception; up to 2 people per application.
- into Saihoji: Saihokai Supporters’ Program (official): 15,000 yen for April 2026 to March 2027, with priority time slots for visits.
Checked on 20 October 2026. Booking rules change; the official site has the last word.