After walking through the dreamlike Kyoto maple leaf garden of Rurikoin,

Originally the villa of Kyoto entrepreneur Tanaka Gentarō, Rurikoin was named Kikaku-tei by Meiji-era (1868-1912) politician Sanjo Sanetomi (who, during his lifetime, attained the highest rank of duke, Shoichi, a title bestowed upon only seven individuals in Japanese history).

After Tanaka Gentarō's death, Kikaku-tei first became a villa for senior executives of his company. It was then redesigned by renowned architects and landscape architects and operated as a luxury inn.

After closing, the inn was acquired by the Jodo Shinshu Komyoji Temple in Gifu Prefecture and renamed Rurikoin.

🍁 Rurikoin is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its stunning scenery offered during limited-time openings.

🍃 Especially in spring and autumn, the vibrant red and fresh green of the maple leaves outside the windows and on the tables inside create a dreamlike scene, attracting many visitors.

🍁Main Features
Limited-Time Admission: Rurikoin Temple is not open to the public on a regular basis, but only opens for special tours during specific times of the year, in spring (for fresh green leaves) and autumn (for red leaves).

Reflections on the Tables: Rurikoin Temple became a household name thanks to a photo that went viral online.

In the photo, the meticulously polished tables reflect the lush shadows of the trees outside the windows, creating a dreamy, mirror-like reflection.

Ruri Garden: From the academy, you can admire the "Ruri Garden," meaning "Pure Land of Glazed Light." The garden is carpeted with verdant moss, contrasting with the ever-changing maple trees throughout the seasons, creating a picturesque scene.

Crouching Dragon Garden: The temple also features the Crouching Dragon Garden, where flowing water and stone formations create a dynamic image of a dragon, creating a Zen-like atmosphere.

Sutra Copying Experience: During your visit, visitors can participate in a Buddhist sutra copying activity to calm their minds.

🚇 Most trips to Rurikoin Temple begin in downtown Kyoto. Here are three convenient transportation options.

🚇From Keihan Electric Railway's Demachiyanagi Station, take the Eizan Electric Railway Main Line for approximately 14 minutes to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station. Walk for approximately 12 minutes.

🚌From JR Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Bus for approximately 52 minutes to Yase-ekimae. Walk for approximately 10 minutes.

🚞From JR Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line for approximately 20 minutes to Kokusai Kaikan Station. From Kokusai Kaikan-ekimae Station, take the Kyoto Bus for approximately 12 minutes to Yase-ekimae. Walk for approximately 10 minutes.

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Eizan Electric Railway
Rurikoin Temple
On the way back, stop by Ramen 🍜 Level 1 Battle Zone

Ichijoji Temple in Kyoto🍜
Ichijoji Area: Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, centered around Eizan Electric Railway Ichijoji Station, this area is renowned for its culinary and cultural offerings.

Ramen Battle Zone: The area surrounding Ichijoji Station is home to numerous ramen shops, earning it the nickname "Ramen Street," attracting ramen lovers from around the country.

📖📃
Keibunsha Ichijoji Branch: This unique independent bookstore, considered one of the "most beautiful bookstores in the world," is renowned for its unique selection and atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Attractions: The area is surrounded by temples such as Enkoji Temple and Shisen-do Temple, as well as the "Ichijoji Pine," associated with the legend of the duel between Miyamoto and Musashi.

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Featured Recommendation
Chuka Soba Takayasu
(##Chuka Ramen Takayasu 中華そば高安) Ramen 🍜 + fried chicken with rice

A frequent visitor to one of Japan's 🇯🇵 Top 100 Restaurants

🚇Access 🚇
Approximately a 4-minute walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railway Main Line.
🚌If taking the bus, get off at Ichijoji Takatsuki-cho or Ichijoji Kita-Daien-cho.

223 meters from Ichijoji

🍜The Ichijoji area is a school district, creating a convenient and filling ramen street. Eizan Electric Railway even offers a "One-Day Pass + Ramen" package for 1,700 yen, redeemable for ramen at any participating restaurant.