Location: Saihō-ji kokedera 苔寺, Kyoto Size: 7.5 x 10 x 1.5 cm Saihō-ji (西芳寺), commonly known as Kokedera (苔寺) or the "Moss Temple," is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan. Famous for its breathtaking moss garden, the temple is home to over 120 species of moss, creating a serene and mystical landscape. Originally founded in the Nara period (8th century) as a villa, it was later converted into a Zen temple by Muso Soseki in the 14th century. The temple features a picturesque pond shaped like the Chinese character for "heart" (心), surrounded by lush moss-covered grounds, giving it a unique and tranquil beauty. Tsuko-Tegata is a kind of wooden passport that was used in the Edo Period as an identity card for travelers when passing from region to region. They had been sold a lot in Showa period as mingei type souvenirs all over Japan. It's also a protector for safety and peace for family.
