Rurikoin Temple

Rurikoin Temple is a temple located in Yase Ohara in Kyoto. The Yase area was once also written as "Yase" (矢背), and there is a story that Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu), who suffered an arrow wound to his back, healed his injuries in Yase, making it a place long loved by Heian aristocrats and warriors. It began when Genjiro Tanaka, a Taisho-period entrepreneur who was also active as a politician, built a villa on land he owned, and Sanjo Sanetomi, who was the Daijo Daijin at the time, named it "Kikakutei" and began gathering here. Later, from the end of the Taisho era into the early Showa period, renovations were carried out, and on a 12,000-tsubo property, sukiya-style architecture and gardens incorporating the natural landscape were created. Loved by many as outstanding architecture and a celebrated garden, it is also known as a match venue for the Honinbo title in the game of go. In spring with swirling blossoms, summer with fresh green growth, autumn ablaze with maple leaves, and winter with silvery peaks, you can enjoy the seasonal expressions woven by rich nature throughout the year. From Eizan Railway Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station, walk along the clear stream of the Goya River and cross a bridge to arrive at Rurikoin’s temple gate. This is a temple where you can enjoy gardens and architecture set within natural scenery away from central Kyoto.