Green Sanctuary: Saiho-ji, The Moss Poem

The heart is already looking forward to summer Touched by the beauty of this green moss In the heart of Kyoto Lies the treasure of a World Heritage Saiho-ji, also known as 'Moss Temple' Here, the greenery is lush, a deep sanctuary You may have strolled through Kiyomizu-dera Or left your footprints at Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji But Saiho-ji This hidden green oasis Is not a place everyone has set foot in Entering this green dream Requires passing through layers of 'checkpoints' Sending out postcards Copying scriptures with a brush Only then can one witness its elegance Saiho-ji, built over 1300 years ago The garden meticulously designed by Muso Soseki With the Heart-Shaped Pond at its center Surrounded by a rich variety of moss Every step taken is upon a poem The moss here is full of life Lush and glossy As if in a magical world A forest where little sprites dwell Or a fantastical wonderland where Alice roamed Saiho-ji, attracting numerous travelers year after year All for this touch of green Weaving a dream in the mundane world Under the shade of greenery We seek this serene beauty together