Have you been to Ruriko-in Temple, which has become a hot topic on social media in recent years?
Jōdo Shinshu temple in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Ruriko-in is famous for the superb photo of the seasonal scenery seen from a room, reflected on a shiny table.
Video: Walkthrough Ruriko-in, a temple with stunning views
In this blog, I would like to introduce Ruriko-in, which I visited recently!
This temple has many spectacular viewpoints and photo spots.
Sanmon 山門, the entrance gate. It is very quaint.
After walking through the gate and pay for the entrance fee (¥2,000), beautiful reddish autumn leaves welcome you from the above.
A little further on, colorful Nishikigoi carp are standing. Nearby is the Takano River, a clear stream with very high transparency.
The koi here must be enjoying the clean water of the Takano River.
After crossing a small stone bridge over a pond with carp, you will come to the entrance of the building.
At the entrance, the staff gives you a plastic bag to keep your shoes and a bag with brochure of Ruriko-in. Then we proceed to the second floor.
Now here we came. breathtaking view!
Well, this is how we take the photo!
Rurikoin’s Pilgrimage History
Although the temple is named after a temple, the building is built like a villa of a wealthy family. This is because the land was originally a private residence owned by a businessman and politician named Gentarō Tanaka (1853 – 1922).
After Mr. Tanaka’s death, the land became the private villa of an executive of Kyoto Dentō, and the buildings and gardens seen today were created by a famous landscape architect from the late Taishō Period to the Shōwa Period. After that, this place was operated as a luxury cuisine Ryokan (Japanese inn) “Kizurutei”, and then acquired by Kōmyō-ji Temple. The main hall was installed, temple treasures were transferred from Kōmyōji, and the building was converted to a temple in 2005.
The temple used to be closed to the public for the protection of cultural assets, but since 2015 it has been open to the public on a seasonal basis. Since then, the temple has gained popularity through social media posts and is now a very famous tourist spot. There are three special viewing periods: spring (mid-April to mid-June), summer (mid-July to mid-August), and fall (early October to early December).
Copying of a sutra
The bag you receive at the entrance contains information about Rurikō-in as well as sutra sheets and a ballpoint pen. After viewing the spectacular view on the second floor, there is a space next to it where you can calm your mind and do sutra-copying. 
This sutra copying is not mandatory, but you are welcome to do so if you wish. There is a space to write your wish on the left side of the sutra sheet. The paper is collected in front of the Buddhist hall on the first floor.
Surrounding Scenerry
Takano river 高野川 running just next to the ruriko-in temple. It’s so clear and refreshing.
There is also a tea shop nearby. They sold onigiri (rice balls), pork miso soup, oshiruko (sweet red bean soup), etc.
Salted grilled river fish also looks delicious.
Eizan Cable Car station YASE 八瀬
Viewing Eizan Electric Railway Eizanhonsen Line Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station
Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station
Access
- Eizan Electric Railway Eizanhonsen Line Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station, 5 min. walk.
- Eizan Cable: 5 minute walk from Cable Yase Station.
- 7 minutes walk from Kyoto Bus Yase Ekimae stop.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nf6x5CA2g8gLmbjB6
There are several temples and shrines in the area. If you have time, why not visit them as well? 🙂
We visited Rengeji 蓮華寺 and Nyan-Nyan-ji 猫猫寺 Museum (cat themed museum) too.
Official Website & Booking Site
Here is the Ruriko-in official website: (English, Chinese and Korean language are available too)
https://rurikoin.komyoji.com/
Booking site (in Japanese Language only)
https://coubic.com/ruri/791928/express
Thank you so much for reading this article. Hope you enjoyed it!
– Kazue
