Kyoto's Secret Place - Rurikoin Temple's changing seasons, seeking a touch of tranquility and Zen
#琉璃光院
Located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, the Rurikoin Temple is like a forgotten wonderland. The quiet atmosphere blends with nature, and the four seasons have different styles. There are fresh green in spring and red leaves in autumn. This small and exquisite temple is famous for its "glass light"-like light and shadow reflections. It is especially a beautiful check-in destination in autumn.
📍 Basic information:
• Location: 55 Kamikoya Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Opening hours:
• Spring: mid-April to June
• Autumn: mid-October to early December
(The specific time depends on the official announcement every year, it is recommended to check in advance)
• Tickets: 2,000 yen (including matcha and a piece of Japanese confectionery)
• Transportation:
• Train: Take the Eizan Electric Railway to "Yase Hieiyamaguchi Station" and walk for about 5 minutes.
• Bus: Take the bus from downtown Kyoto to "Yase Station" and walk to it.
• Self-driving: There are parking lots nearby, but the space is limited. It is recommended to take public transportation.
🎒 Must-see highlights:
1. The academy on the first floor - a beautiful garden with mirror reflections
When you enter Liuliguangyuan, the first thing that catches your eye is the academy on the first floor. The black table here is as smooth as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the greenery and red leaves of the garden outside the window, presenting a scene like a "mirror world".
• Spring fresh green: fresh green, full of vitality, as if you are in a fairy tale forest.
• Autumn red leaves: fiery red and golden maple leaves interweave, like a beautiful watercolor painting.
📸 Tips for taking photos:
• Stand in the corner of the academy, frame the reflection of the lacquered table with the scenery outside the window, and take a beautiful picture of "two worlds".
2. The observatory on the second floor - overlooking the garden with four seasons
Climb up the stairs and come to the observatory on the second floor, where you can see a wider view. From here you can overlook the entire garden and feel the beauty of the changing seasons.
• Spring and summer: The garden is full of lush trees and greenery, and the sun shines through the leaves, with mottled light and shadow.
• Autumn and winter: The maple leaves on the mountain are dyed red, especially when the sun sets, the light and shadow add a touch of Zen.
3. Ruri Garden - a quiet Zen garden
The Ruri Garden in the temple is decorated with moss, stone lanterns, and flowing water, quiet and elegant. It is said that "Ruriko" is taken from the paradise in Buddhism, which means purity and brightness. Walking in it, it seems that time has slowed down.
• Moss carpet: The green moss covers the courtyard, exuding a vitality.
• Rippling water: The stream flows, and with the layout of the courtyard, it makes people relax physically and mentally, away from the hustle and bustle.
4. Taste matcha and Japanese sweets
The ticket to Rurikoin includes a delicate matcha and Japanese sweets. Sitting in the academy, facing the beautiful garden scenery, tasting the rich aroma of matcha, at this moment, time seems to freeze, leaving only inner peace.
🍃 Best viewing season:
1. Spring (April-June): The garden is full of new green, the sun shines through the leaves, and the green light and shadow are poetic and picturesque.
2. Autumn (October-December): The red leaves dye the courtyard, and the fiery red and golden yellow are intertwined, which is the highlight of Rurikoin.
📝 Tips for playing:
1. Make an appointment in advance: Rurikoin is very popular, so it is recommended to make an appointment in advance, especially during the autumn red leaf period.
2. Photo etiquette: There are many tourists, so pay attention to courtesy when taking pictures, keep quiet, and respect the Zen atmosphere of the temple.
3. Clothing suggestions: Wear comfortable shoes, there are many paths in the courtyard, which is convenient for walking.
4. Bring cash: Tickets must be paid in cash on site, please prepare Japanese yen in advance.
Conclusion:
Rurikoin is like a gem hidden in Kyoto. With its unique mirror-like beauty and seasonal natural scenery, it attracts countless tourists to seek inner peace. Here, every detail is art, and every view is Zen. Whether it is the fresh green of spring or the red maple leaves of autumn, Rurikoin can make you feel the unique tranquility of Kyoto. If you are longing for a spiritual cleansing, come to Rurikoin, find a touch of light, and leave an unforgettable memory of Kyoto.