Kyoto, a city where tradition meets tranquility, is home to some of the most serene gardens in the world. These secluded spots offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of meticulously raked gravel, lush moss, and elegantly placed stones that define these spiritual landscapes.
Discover Tofuku-ji's Secret Garden Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its vast maple trees that turn fiery red in autumn, also harbors a lesser-known garden. This secluded garden is a masterpiece of simplicity and symmetry, designed by the famous landscape architect Mirei Shigemori. It's a place where visitors can sit in quiet contemplation, surrounded by the subtle interplay of light and shadow over moss and stone.
The tranquility of Saiho-Ji Moss Garden Saiho-ji or Kokedera (Moss Temple) offers an enchanting experience unlike any other. To visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, one must make a reservation and participate in a sutra copying ceremony—a meditative process leading to the exploration of the garden itself. The lush green carpet of over 120 types of moss under ancient trees creates an atmosphere of deep calmness and introspection.
Unveiling Nanzen-ji's hidden courtyards Nanzen-ji Temple is not only famous for its imposing Sanmon gate but also for its hidden gardens scattered across various subtemples within its precincts. These intimate spaces are often missed by tourists who don't venture beyond the main areas. Each garden has .
