A complete guide to the Rurikoin temple in Kyoto
Image Source: Luka Peternel, Wikipedia CC
Table of Contents
Overview
Rurikoin is a famous temple in the far north-east of Kyoto which is well-known for its stunning architectural design, reflective tables, and vibrant Zen garden. It's very popular among Japanese tourists and is known for being busy throughout spring, summer, and autumn. It's especially popular during autumn as the maple trees have been carefully placed to create an incredible view framed by the temple's beautiful architecture. Due to its popularity, long wait times are common for entering the temple, this can vary from 30 minutes to over an hour on peak weekends.
Rurikoin was originally constructed as the retirement villa for Prince Sanjo Sanetomi, a prominent imperial court noble in the 1800s. Forty years after his death, in the 1930s, it was renovated by the famous architect Nakamura Sotoji, who, along with well-known garden designer Toemon Sano, turned the property into a visual integration of art, architecture, and nature. A few years later, the villa was turned into a Buddhist temple, allowing public access for the first time. The temple features a Sutra room for copying buddhist scriptures, visitors receive a sample page with their ticket so they can try sutra copying.
Location & Access
Image Source: rurikoin.komyoji.com
Rurikoin is located about 40 minutes from downtown Kyoto and requires either two trains or one bus. It's only open during select periods in spring, summer, and autumn, and is closed during winter. There's a reservation system for the peak autumn period in November.
🕗 Opening Hours
10am - 5pm (9am during November)
Spring: April to June
Summer: July to August
Autumn: October to December
Reservations: Required during November via the Rurikoin website
📍 Location
North-Eastern Kyoto (Google Maps)
💴 Entry Price
¥2000 per person
Seasons
Image Source: rurikoin.komyoji.com
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Closed
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Mid-November to Early December
☀️ Summer
July - August
Average temp. 32°C
Rainy season
Lush and green atmosphere
❄️ Winter
Closed
Interesting Facts & History
Image Source: rurikoin.komyoji.com
Originally built as a retirement villa for Prince Sanjo Sanetomi during the 1800s.
Renovated by famous architect Nakamura Sotoji in the 1930s and turned into a Buddhist temple.
The garden was designed by the famous landscape designer Toemon Sano.
Features a Sutra room for copying buddhist scriptures, visitors receive a sample page with their ticket so they can try sutra copying.
Nearby Attractions
One of the views on Mt. Hiei. Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Rurikoin is located right next to the cable car for Mt. Hiei, a prominant mountain that overlooks Kyoto and Shiga. Mt. Hiei also contains the incredible Enryakuji Temple, and a second cable care on the other side of the mountain takes you down to Shiga prefecture and the beautiful Lake Biwa.
Another popular inclusion for a visit to Ruriko-in is Rengenji Temple, which is about 15 minutes walk away.
