Ori-ori Sanpai

Built by the Zen high priest Muso Kokushi in 1339, Saihoji's upper garden is not only the oldest dry landscape garden in Japan but also said to be the pinnacle of this gardening style.
Although it is normally reserved as a place for Zen training and therefore closed to the public, we will welcome up to 10 participants at a time for an exclusive tour.
Come and stand before the powerful stone arrangements in the stillness of the early morning and take a quiet moment to reflect on your inner self.

Participate in a brief meditation session after learning about the history of Saihoji and the temple grounds. Temple staff will then guide you to the upper garden.

[Dates]
October： 11(Sat), 20(Mon), 28(Tue)
November：7(Fri), 11(Tue)
December：4(Thu), 13(Sat), 18(Thu)
*Reception opens　: 2 months before a desired date
*Deadline : The day before a desired date
[Start Time]
8:45 (Meet at 8:40 am)
[Required Time]
Approx. 60 min.
*After the program, you can stay until the closing time of the "Nichi-nichi Sanpai" without application.

[Qualified]
Non-members and Saihokai members
*aged 13 or older at time of visit.
(About Membership)
[Quota]
10 people
[Admission fee]
8,000 yen
*Our system usage fee of 110 yen (tax included) will be charged per person per visit, aside from admission fee.
[Language]
English

[Important notes when reserving your visit]
-Please wear comfortable walking shoes as you will need to climb stone steps.
-Please refrain from taking pictures during the tour.
-Creation of your account is required for making a reservation.
-Personal data, such as names of each visitor, are required for making a reservation.
-The garden paths are not wheelchair accessible, as the temple grounds include steps and areas covered in gravel.

[Change/Cancellation]
The date and time of the visit cannot be changed. If you wish to change the date and time of your visit, please cancel your reservation and make a new one. Cancellations (including reduction in the number of participants) will be subject to the following cancellation fees.
Cancellation fees
(Up to 4 days before) Free of charge
(3 days before - 1 day before) 50%
(On the day of your visit) 100%
*The system usage fee(110 yen including tax per person)  is not refundable regardless of the date of cancellation.