Visiting Saiho-ji Temple is by guided tour only and reservations must be made by hand-written letter at least a week in advance; booking a tour can take care of this for you. It’s an immersive experience, starting with a sutra writing and chanting ceremony led by one of the temple’s Buddhist monks. Afterwards, set out to explore the gardens, following the stone-slab walkways around the serene moss-blanketed landscapes. Learn about the 120 different types of moss that can be found in the gardens and the unique landscaping, which is inspired by Zen principles and was a pioneer in Japanese garden design.