Rurikoin
瑠璃光院
A temple in Yase, where the lacquered black desk on the second-floor study reflects the maple trees outside the window, creating the “Glass Autumn Leaves” view that is one of the most popular foliage photos on social media in Kyoto.
Rurikoin is located in Yase, northeast of Kyoto. It was originally a villa built in the Meiji period and later became a temple of Komyo-ji. Its most famous feature is the second-floor study. Its polished black lacquer desk and floor reflect the maple trees outside. In spring, the room is filled with fresh green, and in autumn, the windows are framed by red leaves, a sight known as “Kagami Momiji” (mirror maple). The moss and flowing water of the “Garden of Lapis Lazuli” are also elegant. The site is open only during special viewing periods in spring and autumn. In recent years, autumn visits require an online reservation for a time slot. Admission is about 2,000 yen, but check the official website for current details. Getting there: it is about a 5-minute walk from Yase Hieizanguchi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway. You can combine it with Mt. Hiei and Sanzen-in in Ohara on the same day.
Opening hours
Special viewing periods in spring and autumn only, 10:00–17:00 (reservation required; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Enryaku-ji, Mt. Hiei
- Ginkaku-ji
- Philosopher's Path
- Shimogamo Shrine
- Eikando Zenrin-ji
- Nanzen-ji
- Heian Jingu
- Kamigamo Shrine