Top 5 of Japan's best moss gardens

Known as Kokedera, moss gardens stem from a thousand-year-old tradition combining aesthetics and spirituality. First appearing in the Heian period (794-1185), they were inspired by the Chinese gardens of the Tang dynasty, where Nature was at the heart of Zen thinking. As a symbol of patience and humility, moss became a key element of temple gardens, and Saihoji in Kyoto soon established itself as a masterpiece in the field, with over 120 varieties of moss! Today, kokedera are appreciated for their poetry. And although you might not think of visiting them when you're traveling in Japan, they offer a much-appreciated getaway, emblematic of Japanese gardens.

In the south of Ehime prefecture, the Kokemushiro garden is famous for its giant moss feet. The atmosphere is almost fairytale-like, with winding paths through a lush forest where moss is king. You'll also appreciate its café, which offers a breathtaking view of the landscape from its wooden terrace.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 2099 Uwacho Nobusato, Seiyo, Ehime 797-0037

Opening hours: open weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m

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Hiyo Koke no Sato is a moss garden located in Hiyo, a small mountain village attached to the town of Komatsu, in ishikawa Prefecture. This discreet gem offers a soothing stroll through a cedar forest at the entrance to the Nata-dera temple. The garden features 48 varieties of moss, enhanced by small porcelain statues of Japanese deities.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Tora-71番地付近 Hiyomachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa 923-0324

Opening hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

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On the hills of Arashiyama gio-ji is a small temple much loved by lovers of literature. Known for its connection with The Tale of the Heike, it was the setting for the tragic story of the dancer Gio, who, after falling out of favor with the powerful Taira no Kiyomori, fled there with her family to embrace a life of renunciation and prayer. Today, the temple is distinguished by its moss garden, surrounded by bamboo and maple trees.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435

Times: daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

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4. The moss garden at the Hakone Museum of Art

As part of the famous Hakone this garden transforms moss into a living canvas, sculpting hills and valleys to evoke Japanese mountain landscapes. Its contemporary sculptures, scattered here and there throughout the garden, are particularly appreciated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0Ｇ493

Opening hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

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