Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Rurikoin Autumn Special Opening 2026
The moss garden and study hall open to the public in maple season. Reservations required Nov 13 to Dec 6; not needed on other days. Last entry 4:30 PM, open every day during the period.
- Dates
- Oct 1 (Thu) – Dec 13 (Sun)
- Hours
- 10:00 – 17:00
- Venue
- Rurikoin Temple
- Nearest station
- Yase-Hieizanguchi
- Admission
- Adults ¥2,000, junior/senior high ¥1,000 (student ID); one child free per adult, additional children ¥1,000
About this event
A carpet of moss, flowing water and maple trees defines the gardens of Rurikoin. The main Ruri Garden features a winding stream, while the Garyu Garden uses a large rock to suggest the head of a reclining dragon. The Yamaroji Garden contains dozens of maple varieties and a thirteen-tier stone pagoda. Visitors can also appreciate the gardens from an elegant sukiya-style building. Located in the Yase valley near Mount Hiei, the temple takes its name from lapis lazuli, one of the Buddhist treasures associated with the Pure Land.
Highlights
- Moss and flowing water in Ruri Garden
- Dragon imagery in Garyu Garden
- Dozens of maple varieties and a thirteen-tier pagoda
- Sukiya-style architecture
- The historic Kikakutei tea pavilion
- Good for
- For travellers who enjoy Japanese gardens, moss, architecture and autumn foliage.
Good to know before you go
- Reservations apply from November 13 to December 6; they are unnecessary outside that period.
- Junior and senior high school students must present student identification for the reduced rate.
- Organised travel-company tours and group tours are not accepted.
- There is no parking. The official website provides translation links in English, Chinese and Korean.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is the temple called Rurikoin?
Ruri refers to lapis lazuli, one of the seven treasures associated with the Buddhist Pure Land. According to the temple, the name evokes the luminous appearance of its moss-covered gardens, maple trees and clear spring water.
Rurikoin is the Kyoto headquarters of Muryojuzan Komyoji. Its gardens are intended to offer visitors a way to encounter Buddhist ideas through nature.
The main garden combines moss with flowing water. Another garden uses a large rock to represent a dragon's head, while the Yamaroji Garden features maple trees, a stone pagoda and a tea pavilion.
The sukiya-style study opens onto these landscapes. Look at the entire composition of water, stones, moss and architecture.
Sources: Rurikoin Official Website: About Rurikoin (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereDoes the name Yase come from an ancient prince's arrow wound?
Yase lies along the Takano River between Mount Hiei and the surrounding mountains.
According to a local legend recorded by Rurikoin, Prince Oama, later Emperor Tenmu, treated an arrow wound here after the Jinshin War of 672. The old name Yase is said to derive from this story. It is a tradition, not an independently established historical event.
The river still runs through the valley. When walking from Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, notice the landscape connected with this local legend.
Next stop: book for later today PR
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🍜 Where to eat after
Restaurants near here on Google Maps→Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.
FAQ
- What is Rurikoin Autumn Special Opening 2026?
- A carpet of moss, flowing water and maple trees defines the gardens of Rurikoin. The main Ruri Garden features a winding stream, while the Garyu Garden uses a large rock to suggest the head of a reclining dragon. The Yamaroji Garden contains dozens of maple varieties and a thirteen-tier stone pagoda. Visitors can also appreciate the gardens from an elegant sukiya-style building. Located in the Yase valley near Mount Hiei, the temple takes its name from lapis lazuli, one of the Buddhist treasures associated with the Pure Land.
- When is Rurikoin Autumn Special Opening 2026?
- From Oct 1 (Thu) to Dec 13 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 10:00 – 17:00
- How much does it cost?
- Adults ¥2,000, junior/senior high ¥1,000 (student ID); one child free per adult, additional children ¥1,000
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Rurikoin Temple. The nearest station is Yase-Hieizanguchi.
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