The garden of Giou-ji Temple is known as a place to enjoy autumn leaves and its brilliant green moss. In spring and summer, the temple looks even greener as the sunlight filters through the trees. The temple is comparatively new for a temple in Japan as it was established in the early Taisho period (1912 - 1926). The temple was built to enshrine Gio, who was a dancer loved by the military leader of the late Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori. However, she fled to the Sagano area to live with her mother and her young sister after being rejected by Taira no Kiyomori who fell in love with another dancer, Hotoke Gozen. As a result, this temple is also known as the nunnery of blighted love. This tragedy became the tale of Heike. As it’s translated in English, please check it out for details. If you are interested in moss gardens, please stop by when you’re strolling around the Sagano area.