Rurikoin Temple

The place was quite crowded, and the line to check tickets took a long time even though I had already bought tickets in advance. Even with a pre-purchased ticket, you don’t really enter at your selected time slot — people who arrive earlier just line up first, while some guests with 11:00 or 12:00 tickets showed up much later and still joined the queue. If you haven’t bought a ticket beforehand, there’s a separate line. After all online-ticket visitors enter, they let the walk-in line in to purchase tickets. I visited in late November, but the leaves hadn’t fully changed yet, so the background inside the temple was still mostly green. There isn’t much storytelling or historical explanation about the site, but if you’re coming to enjoy the scenery and stroll around the temple, it’s quite beautiful and worth a visit. Inside the temple it was surprisingly cold even in autumn — almost as cold as outside because all the doors were open and the wooden floor keeps the chill. The location is a bit far from the city center - almost 1 hour by bus, and it’s hard to combine this spot with other attractions on the same route. However, you can pair the visit with the Eizan Railway — the train ride itself is beautiful during autumn, with colorful foliage visible along the way to the temple. A nice visit if you plan your trip around it, but not the most convenient location.

I agree that the view and the garden there is beautiful, but the whole experience is quite terrible, and it’s in a bit overrated from my perspective. Brunch of people gather at the corner of room, waiting in lines behind the table in order to take a photo of reflection. After that, follow the signs walking around the whole building once, you might also take a little break sitting inside, enjoying the garden view, and that’s all. Visiting once is enough for me, it’s definitely not somewhere I’d consider to come again, when it costs 2000yen for admission.

A perfect place to see how the wealthy, high ranking people lived in the (very) past. This house has beautiful architecture and is amazingly well maintained. When in the area, it sure is worth a visit, certainly when architecture, style, culture, and ‘Zen’ are of your interest.

Rurikōin Temple is a destination for a very specific type of traveler, and if you're that person, it will be one of the most memorable stops of your trip. It is not a classic, serene temple. It's an exclusive, seasonal event known for one of the most photogenic views in Japan, and you must be fully prepared for what that entails. The Heart of the Experience: The "Floor Maple" You come here for one reason: the legendary Yuka Momiji, or "floor maple" view, from the second floor of the main building. A vast, highly polished black lacquer table perfectly reflects the stunning maples outside the window, creating a breathtaking, mirror-like illusion where the ground and ceiling seem to blur into a single canvas of green or red leaves. It's exactly as incredible in person as the famous photos suggest. What to Know Before You Go Before deciding if this is for you, understand these key facts: · Extremely Limited Opening: The temple is only open during special seasonal periods, primarily in spring (greenery) and autumn (foliage). For 2025, it was open from October 1st to mid-December. · High Admission Fee: ¥2,000 per adult. This is four to five times the price of a typical Kyoto temple. · Major Time Investment: During peak autumn colors (mid-November), expect waiting lines of 2-3 hours just to enter. · Online Reservation Often Mandatory: During the busiest weeks (e.g., November), you must book a timed-entry ticket online in advance. These sell out quickly. · Remote Location: It's in the quiet Yase district in northern Kyoto, a 30-40 minute journey from the city center, accessible via the Eizan Railway to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (then a 5-minute walk). Inside the Temple Once inside, the flow is structured. The first stop is the second-floor room with the iconic table. Crowds can be dense, so patience is key to get your photos. Other highlights include: · Sutra Copying: You are given a page to copy Buddhist scriptures in a dedicated, peaceful space. · The Gardens: The lower floors open to Ruri no Niwa (Garden of Lapis Lazuli) and Garyō no Niwa (Garden of the Reclining Dragon), where you can enjoy the moss, streams, and views from a different perspective. · Historical Details: Once a Meiji-period noble's villa, it features a traditional teahouse and a rare, ancient steam bath (kamaburo) you can view. Practical Tips for a Good Visit · Go Early or Late in the Season: To minimize crowds, arrive before the temple opens (be in line at least 45 minutes prior) or visit at the very beginning or end of the opening period when colors are changing. · Combine with Northern Kyoto: Make a day of it. Visit nearby spots like Sanzen-in in Ohara or take the Hiei-zan Cable Car. · Manage Expectations: This is a visually stunning, ticketed event. If you seek a quiet, spiritual temple for contemplation, this is not it. Final Verdict Is it worth it? That depends entirely on you. For photographers, foliage enthusiasts, or repeat visitors to Kyoto who have seen the major sites, the unique beauty of Rurikōin can be absolutely worth the price, planning, and wait. For a first-time visitor on a tight schedule or budget, your time and money may be better spent elsewhere. It's a spectacle, not a sanctuary. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.