- Culture
- Kyoto
Rurikoin Temple
See the "upside-down maple leaves" at the foliage viewing spot in a peaceful village beloved by ancient nobility
Rurikoin Temple situated in Yase, Kyoto, is a famous foliage viewing spot. In the spring and autumn when the temple is open to the public, many come to see the "aomomiji" (green leaves) and "koyo" (red leaves) reflected on polished floors and desks. The Sukiya-zukuri style building and the garden that "borrows" the magnificent nature of the Rakuhoku area as its backdrop are beautifully maintained in the 40,000-square-meter grounds. The view of the red leaves adding beauty to the bright green moss-covered Ruri no niwa (the garden of lapis lazuli) is quite exceptional.
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Eizan Railway
The Eizan Train connects Kyoto's city center with the Rakuhoku area. Along the railroad line are many sightseeing spots including Kifune Shrine, Kurama-dera Temple and the Maple Leaf Tunnel. Enjoy the changing scenery from the train window as the train slowly runs along the foothills. The sightseeing train HIEI has a bold new design with oval windows and a unique interior, and has won the prestigious Good Design Award. Take the HIEI to easily reach Rurikoin Temple from central Kyoto.
Shisen-do Jozan-ji Temple
About a 20-minute walk from Rurikoin Temple, Shisen-do is another temple with a beautiful garden of colorful leaves. It was originally a mountain villa built by Ishikawa Jozan, a vassal of the Tokugawa family and a poet, but it is now a Zen temple. Behind the round, beautifully trimmed azaleas spreads the trees with vibrant red leaves in autumn. The rooms and the garden are preserved in their original form, and you can sit on the porch to gaze at the autumn leaves and explore the grounds.
Location
| Name | Rurikoin Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | http://rurikoin.komyoji.com/lp/en/ |
| Address | 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto |
| Access | From Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway, change to Eizan Railway (bound for Yase-Hieizanguchi), get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station and walk for approximately 5 minutes. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 075-781-4001 |