Yaseramu Rikoin Temple (also known as Rurikoin Temple) is the most talked-about secret spot for viewing autumn maple leaves in Kyoto. Many people questioned whether the photos on the Internet were overly photoshopped, but the beauty of the red leaves window view seen with one's own eyes definitely exceeded expectations. "Love Travel" voted it the number one "most beautiful red leaf window view" in Kyoto, and it is not a false reputation.
I sat in Rurikoin, surrounded by a Zen-like silence, and even the falling of a red maple leaf could stir my emotions. Even when copying scriptures, he could not ignore the picturesque view of red leaves outside the window - it was distracting, but enjoyable. This article will share the latest reservation methods and actual shooting experience in 2025, giving you a glimpse of the true appearance of this dreamy place.
Yase Rurikoin Temple Special Visit Guide: Tickets, Opening Hours and Night Tour Guide
Rurikoin Temple is open for special visits only three times a year: in spring, summer, and autumn. The times will be announced in advance on the official website. Due to limited space, admission is charged at 2,000 yen per person, and only "general individual ticket purchases" are available. No reservations or bookings by travel groups are accepted. What's special is that Rurikoin andJR Tokai ToursThrough exclusive collaboration, we are launching a night viewing itinerary with a limit of 200 people per day. Reservations must be made through the JR Central tourism website. Travelers who want to experience the quiet night maple viewing must seize the opportunity.
Although it is not open to the public on normal days, during the most popular maple viewing season in 2024, Rurikoin has launched an online reservation system. You must make an online reservation in advance before you can enter to visit. The opening hours are 09:00-17:00, and tickets are required for admission.
2025 Rurikoin Spring Visit Information
- Opening period：2025年4月15日～5月31日
- Visiting time：10:00～17:00（最後入場16:30）
- Visiting Fees: Adults 2,000 yen / Junior high school students and above with student ID 1,000 yen
- Spring and Summer Tickets: You can buy tickets directly on site
During the 2025 autumn maple viewing period: online reservations are required!
Since autumn is the most popular season for viewing maple leaves at Rurikoin, the 2025 autumn visit will be entirely by reservation and tickets cannot be purchased on site. The number of people per day is limited, so travelers are advised to purchase tickets online in advance.
- Opening hours: 09:00～17:00 (Tickets are required for all periods)
- Online booking portal : https://airrsv.net/rurikoin2023/calendar
Reminder:
- After making a successful reservation, please bring the QR Code or print the ticket for on-site verification before entering.
- The night visit and the regular visit have different routes and ticket types, so please do not confuse them.
- It is recommended to avoid weekends and long holidays in Japan. There are fewer people on weekdays, and the maple viewing experience is better.
▲ It is recommended to choose the earliest session to take aerial shots, or go there at noon when the sun is sufficient.
▲Click on the date you want to go.
▲ Prepare to enter the reservation process.
▲ Complete all fields.
▲ Just confirm the information again before sending it. The most important thing is not to No Show!
The history of Rurikoin: From a noble family villa to a hidden gem of Kyoto's autumn leaves
The predecessor of Rurikoin was a private villa built by Tanaka Gentaro, a prominent Kyoto family member and politician. Thanks to the owner's political and business background, this mansion was quite famous at the time. During the Meiji period, the Grand Minister Sanjo Sanetomi personally named it "Kikaku-tei", which symbolizes auspiciousness and elegance.
During the Taisho and early Showa periods, the villa underwent a large-scale renovation, and the famous Japanese architect Nakamura Gaiji and the 2005th generation landscape architect Sano Touemon were specially invited to work together to make the integration of garden and architecture more delicate and elegant. In XNUMX, this historic villa was officially transformed into a temple and named "Rurikoin Temple of the Amitabha Mountain", becoming one of the important temples of the Higashi Honganji sect of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
The name "Rurikoin" comes from the sacred atmosphere created by the interweaving of moss and light and shadow in the courtyard - as clear and transparent as colored glass, hence the name, which is well deserved.
A short story about visiting history
In the early years, Rurikoin was almost not open to the public and had always been a secret place for Kyoto residents to enjoy maple leaves. It has only been open to the public regularly in autumn since 2013. We were lucky enough to visit in 2014. Although the ticket price was as high as 2,000 yen, there was no need to queue and the crowd was sparse. We were able to quietly appreciate the tranquility and Zen of the red leaves reflecting on the wooden windows.
In recent years, due to regular opening and social media promotion, Rurikoin has become famous. Tickets are hard to come by during the maple viewing season, and a large number of people flock to the scene. But even so, this temple full of the beauty of history and nature is still worth your personal visit and careful experience - because its beauty is definitely worth waiting and making an appointment.
▲ Liuliguangyuan once stopped visiting, and now it is open almost every autumn.
▲ The entrance fee is 2,000 yen/person. Because the price is not close to the people, there are no tourists in the courtyard.
▲ It was rainy and rainy, but it also made the fallen leaves glow.
▲Because I have seen other Geyou introduce here before, I am very much looking forward to entering the Symphony Scenery soon.
▲ The beauty of maple viewing in Kyoto often comes from the poetry of garden landscaping and the quietness of strolling in it.
▲ Maple viewing still brings amazing color shock.
A guide to taking photos of the Rurikoin Temple window view: The reflections of red leaves are picturesque, a must-visit for photography enthusiasts
The moment you step into Rurikoin Academy, the stunning view from the window immediately comes into view - it is not just a scenery, but a real-life version of the famous painting of red leaves. I have seen this window view countless times on social media in the past. Now I can finally experience it in person and take the photo with my own hands. I can’t hide my excitement. The Japanese tourists who entered with me all exclaimed "きれい (so beautiful)" at the same time, and the atmosphere was instantly filled with emotion.
Although the ticket price has increased to 2,000 yen per person, surprisingly, the academy was not crowded. Several photography enthusiasts and I worked in harmony in front of the window, just to take a picture with no human figures and a perfect reflection of the red leaves. Looking back, the red, yellow and green leaves outside the window were reflected on the wooden floor inside, as if I were in a fantasy world. I couldn't help but whisper to Wendy, "This place is so beautiful."
Because of a friend's words, I joined this "visual pilgrimage" temporarily
Originally, Rurikoin Temple was not included in the itinerary for this autumn maple viewing trip - after all, it is difficult to predict whether it will be open for visits every year. However, two days before the trip, two friends who were studying in Kyoto sent me a message to let me know that the red leaves were in full bloom, but there were surprisingly few people, and the floor had just been waxed, so the reflective effect was excellent. It was a dream scene for photography enthusiasts!
We immediately changed our original itinerary and decided to go for it. Sure enough, when the passengers in the first row stood up in unison, the only sound heard was the sound of shutter clicks. No one talked or interfered. Everyone is quietly waiting to capture their own "that moment" - a perfect picture with no one in front of the window, red leaves everywhere, and the softest light and shadow.
Such moments don't come often, and precisely because they are rare, they move people deeply. If you are also a fan of red leaves and photography, this scene is definitely worth a visit to prove with your own eyes: the window view of Rurikoin is really worthy of its reputation.
▲ In late November, the red leaves are blooming and gradually entering the deciduous stage.
▲ This scene did not wait for too long, as if a beautiful red leaf just for me.
▲ What I admire at this time is that the Japanese live in the "Aesthetics of Life" all year round.
▲ The floor is shining, reflecting the red leaves all around.
▲Every window frame is worthy of repeated appreciation.
▲ Gradually appreciate the pictures, I believe everyone understands why I call Liuliguangyuan the most beautiful window view.
▲ The best seats to enjoy the scenery, remember to leave early! (After noon, the number of tourists will be slightly higher.)
▲ When organizing these photos, I still have aftertaste and aftertaste.
▲ On the right hand side of the second floor of the academy is also a great seating area with a wide view.
Photographing the red leaves and copying sutras at the same time: A quiet time of viewing the red leaves at Rurikoin
In the past, when I went to Kyoto to see the autumn leaves, I only stayed at each spot for 30 minutes to an hour in order to visit more scenic spots. Although the schedule was tight and I took a lot of photos, when I looked back and sorted out the photos, I felt a little regretful - I didn't really stop to "feel the autumn". This time, when I came to Rurikoin, I deliberately slowed down my pace and decided to experience every fleeting moment of the red leaves with my heart.
On the desk on the second floor of the academy, brushes and paper for copying scriptures were quietly placed. I originally just took a closer look out of curiosity, but unexpectedly I picked up the pen and began to copy it stroke by stroke. As I was writing, I was always attracted by the magnificent scenery outside the window - the red leaves were shining with layers of golden light under the sunlight, and the light and shadows were wandering on the wooden floor. I couldn't help shouting, "Wendy, take a picture! Take a picture!" Handwriting scriptures and capturing the beautiful scenery became a difficult task for me at the moment.
The red umbrellas blend into the scene: Rurikoin is like walking into a painting
As I was copying, a Japanese mother and daughter walked into the academy, and one of them elegantly placed a red paper umbrella by the corridor - the scene was so beautiful that it took my breath away! It is a poem about autumn in Kyoto, with red leaves, ancient trees, and Japanese paper umbrellas interwoven into one. Without hesitation, I urged Wendy again to seize this wonderful moment and not waste a second.
This sutra-copying experience took me about 40 minutes. It not only calmed my mind, but also allowed me to really calm down and appreciate the details of each red leaf. However, please note that the sutra copying experience is no longer available during the peak maple viewing season due to excessive crowds. This wonderful memory has now become a limited memory that can never be reproduced, and it also reminds me: If there is a place I want to go or something I want to experience, I must act now!
▲ Is Meijing currently a difficult project that tests concentration?
▲ The scripture copying of Chinese characters is about to be completed!
▲ If you have the opportunity to come here, you might as well experience it and pray for yourself.
▲ We were really lucky, when someone brought their own paper umbrella, but the sun poked out their heads on a cloudy day.
▲ Wendy followed the group of tourists to the first floor and took pictures with everyone.
▲ Have you noticed?This is different from the red paper umbrella upstairs, they are so ingenious!
▲ If we leave in a hurry, we will definitely miss this beautiful picture.
Tips for viewing maple leaves at Rurikoin: Why is it worth staying a little longer?
When I returned to the first floor from the second floor of the academy, I found that the number of tourists indoors had increased significantly. Even though there were crowds of people, everyone was still quietly immersed in the beautiful scenery of red leaves outside the window, and sipped the hot tea in their hands from time to time, warming their hands and hearts. Just then, a friendly lady suddenly greeted me. I didn’t expect that she was a reader of my blog! I am deeply moved by this unexpected fate.
This time she came to Kyoto to view the maple leaves with her family. They were also accompanied by a lively and cute child. It was a very heartwarming scene to see the child traveling with his mother and aunts. We eagerly exchanged our maple viewing experiences and itinerary plans over the past few days. Meeting friends from Taiwan in a foreign country, this resonance and connection is so precious.
Wolong Garden Stroll Recommendation: The most tranquil corner of Kyoto's red leaves
We stayed in Rurikoin longer than expected. It was not until the evening when the crowds dispersed that I noticed an old lady and her friend sitting on the floor, chatting and laughing in a relaxed atmosphere. This scene reminds me again: "Slow down and you will see the real beauty."
If you plan to come to Kyoto to enjoy the fall foliage, Rurikoin is definitely worth spending more time to appreciate. In addition to the red leaves view from the window of the academy, you may want to walk into the "Wolong Garden" in the courtyard, where there is a more hidden and quiet world of red leaves, which can allow you to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle and deeply experience the tranquility and beauty of Kyoto's autumn.
Related Post: Kyoto Rurikoin.The Garden of Wolong: The maple view of the matcha table in the Abbot’s Chamber
▲ The weather turned fine in the afternoon, which allowed us to see a different phantom of circulation.
▲ If you want to take a picture you like, in addition to a little luck, you have to wait patiently.
▲ This area is called 瑠リ (るり)'s garden, and the name comes from the green moss in that place.
▲ Just like this uncle, it is enough to enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of you.
▲ The written scriptures are handed in here, and I offer my heart to the Buddha.
▲ Liuliguangin is a famous place for autumn leaves with a good view. Friends who love to take pictures should remember to receive it in the list.
▲ If you think this introduction is very good, please like or reshare for us, we will receive your encouragement! ^_____^
Rurikoin Temple Transportation Guide: The Most Convenient Way to Get to Yase from Downtown Kyoto
The most recommended way to get to Rurikoin Temple is to take the Eizan Railway Main Line (Green Line) from Demachiyanagi Station to the last stop, Yasehei-Yamaguchi Station. After getting off the train, walk about 500 meters along the Kono River to easily reach Rurikoin Temple. The gurgling streams along the way, accompanied by red leaves, make it a beautiful little journey full of the sense of the season.
If you prefer to take the bus, you can choose Kyoto City Bus Route 10, 16, 17, 18, or 19, get off at "Yase Ekimae", and walk about 600 meters to arrive. It is very suitable for travelers who are not familiar with train transfers.
Practical Tips: Convenient Routes from Kyoto Station
We were staying near Kyoto Station at the time. If we took the train from there to Rurikoin, we would have to transfer to Demachiyanagi Station and then take the Eizan Train. This would require at least two changes of trains, which would be a bit inconvenient if we had a lot of luggage or were traveling with children. We chose a simpler approach...
Take the Kyoto City Bus Line 5 to Takaragaike Station, then transfer to the Eizan Railway (Green Line) at the station to get directly to Yasehei-Yamaguchi Station. This route not only allows for smooth transfers, but also allows you to enjoy the autumn scenery of Kyoto along the way on buses and trains. It is an ideal choice for both efficiency and sightseeing.
▲ Take the Eizan Main Line (Green Line) on the Eizan Tram and walk 500 meters from the terminal station to Rurikoin.
▲ The shape of Eizan Tram is always very pleasing.
▲ The last station of the Green Line of the Eizan Tram is the Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station.
▲ The Rurikoin Temple is within walking distance from the Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station, and the nearby Yase Station is also a good maple viewing spot.
