Nestled in the quiet Yase district, Rurikoin Temple is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and spiritually soothing destinations.
Famous for the mesmerizing reflections of maple leaves on its polished study hall tables, this temple opens to the public only during limited seasons.
In this guide, you’ll discover Rurikoin’s rich history, must-see highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your visit with ease and confidence.
Overview of Rurikoin Temple
Rurikoin Temple (瑠璃光院) is a serene Buddhist temple located in the Yase area of Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, at the foot of Mount Hiei.
It is celebrated for its scenic harmony with nature throughout the four seasons. During its special openings in spring and autumn, the temple attracts visitors from around Japan and abroad.
The name “Rurikoin” originates from the “Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli Light” (Ruriko Jodo) associated with Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. The term ruri, meaning deep blue or lapis lazuli, symbolizes purification and healing—perfectly reflecting the temple’s peaceful, restorative atmosphere.
The temple complex features a three-tiered structure built on a mountain slope and gardens designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
From every room, visitors can admire the changing beauty of nature and experience a tranquility that feels as if time has stood still.
In the next section, we’ll explore how this temple came to be and the story behind its spiritual and architectural legacy.
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History of Rurikoin Temple
The origins of Rurikoin Temple date back to the early Taisho period (1910s).
The Yase area was once a retreat for Heian-period nobles, and the site later evolved into a Buddhist temple. Initially constructed as a private villa, it was later redesigned based on Buddhist ideals of spiritual healing, transforming it into a sanctuary of stillness and reflection.
Rurikoin’s architecture represents a harmonious blend of Shoin-zukuri and Sukiya-zukuri styles.
The warm tones of natural wood, paper sliding doors, and soft light create a meditative space.
The temple’s gardens are also deeply symbolic—designed to embody Buddhist cosmology, allowing visitors to experience enlightenment through direct contact with nature.
After World War II, preservation efforts began to protect Rurikoin as a valuable cultural site.
Although it remained closed to the public for many years, growing public interest led to its current schedule of limited seasonal openings in spring and autumn.
Today, Rurikoin Temple is widely recognized as a symbol of “Silent Kyoto,” beloved by travelers seeking calm and beauty away from the city crowds.
Highlights and Photo Spots at Rurikoin Temple
The most famous attraction at Rurikoin Temple is undoubtedly the “floor reflection”—known in Japanese as yuka momiji (literally “floor maple leaves”).
When the polished wooden table in the study hall reflects the red and gold foliage, the scene resembles a painting of light and shadow, enchanting all who see it.
The temple’s gardens are divided into two main areas:
the upper “Garden of Ruri Light”, where moss and maple trees create a serene harmony,
and the lower “Garden of the Lying Dragon”, where water and stone arrangements evoke a sense of natural rhythm.
Each season brings new beauty, making every visit a unique experience.
For photography, the best time is in the morning when soft sunlight filters through the trees.
Turning off interior lights enhances the natural reflections and deepens the visual contrast.
Please note that flash photography and tripods are prohibited, and maintaining silence is encouraged to preserve the tranquil atmosphere.
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How to Visit Rurikoin Temple
Access to Rurikoin Temple from central Kyoto is relatively easy via Demachiyanagi Station. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk from Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway. During the busy spring and autumn seasons, temporary shuttle buses also operate.
The admission fee is 2,000 yen, and the temple is open only a few times a year—spring (April–May), summer (July–August), and autumn (October–December).
(Exact dates vary each year, so checking the official website is recommended.)
The temple is typically open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and morning visits are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Nearby, visitors can enjoy walking trails that showcase Yase’s natural beauty or relax at the Yase Rurikoin Onsen, a local hot spring.
The Hiei Ropeway, also located nearby, offers panoramic views of Kyoto city.
Each season reveals a different charm: fresh green leaves in spring, deep blue maples in summer, and brilliant red foliage in autumn.
During the autumn opening, timed-entry tickets are often required due to high visitor demand.
In short, Rurikoin Temple offers both easy access and a deeply immersive experience of Kyoto’s seasonal beauty.
