Saihoji Temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Buddhism.
This temple is popularly known as Kokedera ("Moss Temple").
It was founded by the monk Gyoki.
In 1339 this temple was rebuilt by the priest Muso Soseki as a center of Zen Buddhism training.
The garden was designated by Muso Soseki himself.
It has a "dry landscape garden".
It also has a "garden around the pond", which is shaped like the Chinese character meaning "heart."