The 2019 Moss Boom Continues: This Year Features First-Time Exhibitions at Gio-ji, Myoshin-ji Keishun-in, and Jizo-in

In addition to the five temples from last year (Sanzen-in, Enko-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Jokko-ji), this year's exhibition expands to three new temples: Gio-ji, Myoshin-ji Keishun-in, and Jizo-in (Nishikyo Ward).

JR Central's "Moss and New Greenery" campaign this summer was met with great acclaim. In May, TBS's "The World of Matsuko" featured "The World of Moss," reigniting interest in the already popular moss trend. More recently, the moss boom has evolved further with "Moss Travel" tours to mossy spots and the creation of "Moss Parfaits" mimicking moss terrariums.

Moshuin, featured in this exhibition, is a coined term blending "moss" (the English word for 苔) and "Goshuin" (temple/shrine seals). It refers to original artwork where the Goshuin calligraphy is rendered in moss. Each temple's Goshuin is recreated on a scale of approximately 1.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width, with one unique piece displayed at each of the eight temples.
Koke-terrarium, inspired by moss terrariums (or Kokedama), are miniature artworks recreating a temple's symbolic structures and gardens using moss within a sealed glass container. Three types of Koke-terrarium will be exhibited at each temple.

The moss boom shows no signs of slowing down. Why not immerse yourself in the profound world of moss during an autumn visit to Kyoto?

Exhibition Details
Period: Sunday, September 1, 2019 – Sunday, December 8, 2019
Participating Temples: Sanzen-in, Enko-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, Jokko-ji, Gio-ji, Myoshin-ji Keishun-in, Jizo-in (Nishikyo Ward)
Other Information:
* Exhibition hours are subject to each temple's visiting hours.
* If temple visits are suspended due to ceremonies or inclement weather, neither Moshuin nor Koke-terrarium will be viewable.
* An admission fee is required for each temple to view the Moshuin and Koke-terrarium.
Official Website:https://souda-kyoto.jp/travelplan/koke2019_sp/index.html

JR Central Tours: Special Plans for Conveniently Visiting All Eight Temples

JR Central Tours is offering special travel plans designed for easy visits to the eight temples, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beautiful moss gardens and the limited-time "Moshuin" and "Koke-terrarium" exhibits.

Travel Dates: Departures from Sunday, September 1, 2019, to arrivals by Sunday, December 8, 2019 (Day trips available)
Duration: Day trip / 1 night
Departure Area: Round-trip Shinkansen (Ordinary Class Reserved Seat) from Tokyo/Shinagawa Station
Hotel Monterey Kyoto (Non-smoking Twin Room - 2-3 guests per room)
Non-smoking Family Room (4 guests per room)
Plan without meals (per adult)
(JR Central Tours / for a 1 night, 2 day trip)
Tour Price: ¥25,400 – ¥44,600
Highlights: ① Includes two temple admission vouchers and a special "Visit Kyoto." moss guide map (Participating temples: Sanzen-in, Enko-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, Jokko-ji, Gio-ji, Myoshin-ji Keishun-in, Jizo-in (Nishikyo Ward))
(Participating temples: Sanzen-in, Enko-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, Jokko-ji, Gio-ji, Myoshin-ji Keishun-in, Jizo-in (Nishikyo Ward))
② One-day subway and bus pass
* Each admission voucher allows entry to one temple.
Admission to two temples is included in the tour price.
Additional admission fees will be required for visits to three or more temples.
* Vouchers must be exchanged at designated locations.

Official Website:https://souda-kyoto.jp/travelplan/koke2019_sp/index.html