Making A Reservation At Saihoji Temple

Making A Reservation At Saihoji Temple 西芳寺

Advance reservations are needed to visit Saihoji Temple (aka Kokedera - the "Moss Temple") in Kyoto.

Kokedera moss

Procedure for Saihoji reservation application

This involves sending a self-addressed stamped postcard (ofuku hagaki; 往復はがき) available from the post office or a convenience store, or, if sending from overseas, a postcard with an international reply coupon to Saihoji. The ofuku hagaki is a set of two postcards one of which will be used by Saihoji to reply.

Application postcard

What is needed?

Visitors will need to undertake this process themselves as Saihoji seem no longer to allow the return cards to be sent to applicants' hotels. You will need two envelopes, a Japanese reply-paid postcard, and some Japanese stamps. You can purchase the ofuku hagaki postcard here On the right-hand side of the side with the green-colored stamp write: -your full name -the date of your visit -any alternative dates (the more the better your chances) -the number of people attending -your address in your home country. Address your envelope to Saihoji at the address below. Inside this envelope enclose another envelope with your address in your home country. You will need to affix some Japanese stamps to it. You can purchase Japanese stamps here Here are the postal rates for letters upto 25 grams in weight to various parts of the world. USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand 110 yen Asia: 90 yen Africa, South America: 130 yen Note: from June 1, 2019 all visitors must be over 12 years of age.

Successful application

Saihoji Address

Saiho-ji Temple Matsuo Jingatani-cho 56 Nishikyo-ku Kyoto 615-8286 Japan