Frequently asked questions

［General inquiries］ Tell me about how to visit Saihoji.

We have two types of programs.
One is "Nichi-nichi Sanpai " (basic visiting program) and another is "Ori-ori Sanpai " (special programs) for visitors who wish to enjoy stay at Saihoji more deeply.
You need to make a reservation for each program at least one day prior to your visit. Please see below for details.
Nichi-nichi Sanpai
Ori-ori Sanpai

［How to apply］ Can more than 3 people apply?

We wish to preserve the original religious atmosphere of the temple, which enables visitors to spend a quieter and more reflective time, so we limit the number of visitors to two at a time.
However, if you understand how to spend your time in Saihoji and would like to visit us with a group of three, you may register for a different account.

Please refrain from visiting with a group of five or more people.

［How to apply］ Can I apply on behalf of someone?

We ask visitors to make a reservation by themselves, but if you need to apply on behalf of someone else, please make sure to inform the visitor of the precautions to be taken during the visit.

Please note that you have to register an account for the proxy in addition to entering the visitor's information.

［How to apply］ Can I check my application details?

You can cofirm your reservation details on "My Page" of our website.
If you can't see it on "My Page", your reservation has not been completed so please try to make a reservation again.

［How to apply］ Can I change my application?

On "My Page" of our website, you can change your reservation about below.
・Visitors information such as name, age and gender
・Number of visitors
*In case of reduction in the number of visitors, cancellation fee will be charged three days before your visit.

Please note that the date and time cannot be changed.
Please cancel your reservation on My Page and try to make new reservation for your desired date.

［How to apply］ Can I cancel my application?

On "My Page" of our website, you can cancell your reservation.
Please note that for online reservations, admission fees will be paid by credit card in advance,and cancellation fees will be charged as follows.

Cancellation fee:
・Up to 4 days before: Free of charge
・3 days before - 1 day before: 50%
・On the day of your visit: 100%

［How to apply］ Can I have a receipt?

We issue a receipt on the day of your visit.
Please ask our staff at the reception desk on the day of your visit.

［How to apply］ Are there any age restrictions?

In order to maintain the tranquility of the temple grounds, we only accept visitors aged 13 and over.
We also offer Children's Day several times a year, in which children under 12 years of age can also visit.
Please check the details from below.
Children's Day

［How to apply］ I can’t pay by credit card, and are there any other ways for payment?

Currently, the payment method for online reservations is only credit card.

When paying by a credit card, a temporary payment error may occur due to security reasons.
In this case, please wait a little longer before making a reservation or try again using the following methods.
・Try using a different device or browser
・Try using a different credit card

［Rules］ Is there a chair seating in the hall for copying the sutra?

We have some chair seats in the main hall, but we do not accept reservations for them.
Please understand that in case of full occupancy, please wait until a seat becomes available.

［Rules］ Can I visit in a wheelchair or with a walking stick?

We are not wheelchair accessible.
The garden paths are difficult to access for wheelchair users due to the many steps and gravel paths, and the fact that it is difficult to renovate from the perspective of preserving the cultural heritage and gardens. We would be grateful for your understanding.
It is possible to use a walking stick to visit the temple.
Please watch your step as there are many steps. You can also use a walking stick indoors by wiping the leg with it.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask for your cooperation.

［Rules］ Can I see the garden without copying the sutra?

We do not accept visits just to see the garden.
Saihoji welcomes you not as a sightseeing place but as a place of reflection where you can face yourself.
Therefore, we ask all vistiors to participate in copying sutras to calm your mind before visiting the garden.
If you have any special circumstances or reasons preventing you from participating in copying sutras, please let the staff know on the day of your visit.

［Rules］ Can I take photos and videos in the temple?

Taking photographs in the garden is allowed, but photographing off the garden path or blocking paths are prohibited.
Any video equipment, such as tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks, is also prohibited to use.

Please refrain from taking photographs inside the building.
Taking photographs of the outside scenery from inside the building is also prohibited as the main hall is a place to concentrate on copying sutras.

［Rules］ Can I eat and drink inside?

Eating on the temple grounds is not allowed.
You may bring only beverage containers with lids, such as plastic bottles or water bottles.

［Others］ If I can’t visit in time, can I enter late?

Even if you are late, we will accept your visit, but if you will be significantly late (more than 30 minutes), please contact us.
Please note the things written below.
・There may be a short wait until reception.
・You will be asked to leave at a closing time of the day of your visit. (Closing times for each day is written at the calender on the reservation page.)

［Others］ Tell me about how to access Saihoji.

Address 56 Jingatani-cho Matsuo Nishikyo-ku Kyoto, 615-8286 Map

By public transportation:
・Kyoto Bus : 3 minute walk from "Kokedera Temple, Suzumushidera Temple" bus stop
・Kyoto City Bus : 10 minute waik from "Suzumushidera Temple, Kokederamichi" bus stop
・Hankyu Rail Way, Kyoto Line : 15-minute walk from "Kamikatsura" station

It will take around 30 minutes from Kyoto Station by taxi, and fare is around 4000 yen.
*Please tell the driver the destination is "Saihoji Kokedera" or show the above address (as there are several temples with the same name).

［Others］ Is there a parking lot?

We are sorry but we have no parking lot for visitiors.
Please use nearby metered parkings.
You can park bicycles and motorbikes at the entrance, so please ask the staff at the entry gate.

［Others］ Can I visit the Upper Garden（Karesansui）?

The Upper Garden is a non-public area and cannot be visited on "Nichi-nichi Sanpai " (basic visiting program) .
Originally, the Upper Garden was a place for training for monks and is very importnt place for Saihoji. For this reason, the Upper Garden is currently only open to visitors on "Ori-ori Sanpai " (special programs) which offer a deeper insight into Saihoji and Zen teachings*.
*Ori-ori Sanpai: Zazen and Japan’s Oldest Dry Landscape Garden (For Saihokai Members)

［Publicity］ Tell me about how to interview and media coverage of Saihoji.

Saihokai Association is the public relations contact for media coverage of Saihoji and applications for the publication of images and videos of Saihoji.
Please send the outline of your project to the address below.
We will reply to you after checking and reviewing the contents.
It will take 7-10 days to receive a reply, so please contact us well in advance.

To: Public Relations, Seihokai Association,
56 Matsuo Kamigayacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8286, Japan