Rurikoin
琛璃光院
At a glance
Rurikoin is a private villa temple in Yase, a quiet valley on the northern edge of Kyoto. Its main room has a polished floor that reflects the surrounding maple garden like still water — an effect so precise it has become the temple's defining image. Open only during limited spring and autumn viewing periods, Rurikoin sits at the far end of the Eizan Railway line, well beyond the usual temple circuit. Visitors who make the journey find a small, contemplative space designed entirely around one extraordinary view.
Getting there
Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi, the final stop. About 15 minutes. From the station, walk north for roughly 5 minutes — the temple is signposted. The railway itself runs through wooded hills and is part of the experience.
Best time to visit
Spring viewing runs late April through June. Autumn viewing runs October through early December. Exact dates change each year — check the official site before visiting. Both periods draw visitors, but weekday mornings are noticeably quieter. The autumn red maples are the more famous season, but the fresh green of spring is less crowded and arguably more contemplative.
Price
¥2,000
Seasonal opening — check dates before visiting
Why it's overlooked
Rurikoin sits north of every standard itinerary. The usual Kyoto temple route runs through Higashiyama — Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji — and rarely extends to the Eizan Railway corridor. Getting to Yase requires a dedicated trip, and the limited opening windows mean you need to plan ahead. Most visitors don't know it exists until they see photographs of the floor reflection. It is routinely empty compared to any temple on the main circuit.
The detail most visitors miss
The reflection effect works best on overcast days. Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows on the floor and flattens the image. A grey sky softens the light and deepens the colours of the garden in the reflection. We time our visits accordingly — while most visitors aim for clear weather. Arrive when the doors open to get the front row position. The viewing room is small and fills gradually through the morning.
Nearby
- Tentenyu Ichijoji Ramen
- Kamigamo Shrine Shrine
- Shimogamo Shrine Shrine
- Mount Hiei Nature / Walking
Mentioned in our guides
- The Free App for Finding the Kyoto You Came Here For
A free iOS app for Kyoto with mood-based browsing, offline maps, a budget planner, and a Kyoto-ben phrasebook. Hand-picked by locals. No ads, no tracking.
Get the full guide to Rurikoin — why we picked it, what makes it special, and what's nearby — in Kyoto Unknown.
Download free on the App Store →