Kyoto

Serene Moments at Rurikoin, Kyoto

Lazuline moss in a beautiful garden

Takako Sakamoto Aug 31, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>Looking out at the beautiful garden from the second floor of the main building. Heavenly view of the autumn garden left me speechless. This is what you call, 'moment of bliss'</p>

<p>'Garden of Garyo' (Lying Dragon). This garden represents a dragon about to soar up to the heights of heaven via a stream of water and stones. Looking at the soaring dragon liberates your mind</p>

<p>Even the artificial composition of this shot looks like a stylish drawing</p>

<p>Looking up at the main building from the 'Garden of Garyo' (Lying Dragon). Elegant, intricate architecture built by the hands of seasoned artisans. This classic 'Sukiya-zukuri' building that stands on the vast temple grounds was built by the Sukiya-zukuri maestro, Nakamura  Sotoji (1906-1977)</p>

<p>Depending on the light, they say that the moss here may shine. Although I've never witnessed the moment, when I saw this garden I thought it might not be an exaggeration  </p>

<p>Fluid gradation of red. This is ultimate art created by the combination of the beauty of nature and gardener's skills!</p>

<p>This garden 'borrows scenery' from nature, and was built by Sano Toemon, a famous landscape gardener, and his apprentices</p>

<p>This famous garden never disappoints you! You can enjoy seasonal flowers and plants here; in spring, Japanese andromeda, in autumn, gorgeous maple leaves like these that change color from yellow, orange, peach to red</p>

<p>What a joy to enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea while viewing this beautiful autumn garden!</p>

<p>Falling maple leaves are elegant, even until the end of their lives</p>

<p>Walkway to heaven (Buddhist Pure Land Paradise)  </p>

<p>Last glimpse of this beautiful garden before going home. I closed my eyes, seared the scene into my memory, and promised myself to come back again, no matter what!</p>

Located in the suburbs of Kyoto, Rurikoin Temple had been a hidden jewel there for a very long time. However, in recent years it was opened to the public (for a limited duration of time in spring and in autumn), welcoming many tourists from inside and outside Japan.

One of the highlights of the temple is the teahouse 'Kikakutei', which was named by a high-ranking Meiji Era statesmen, Sanjo Sanetomi. Also, the three famous gardens, 'Garden of Ruri (lapis lazuli), 'Garden of Garyo (lying dragon)', and 'Garden of Yamaroji (mountain alley)' shouldn't be missed. Especially, in 'Garden of Ruri (lapis lazuli)', under certain weather conditions, it is said that you can see the 'Buddhist Pure Land' with moss shining in a lazuline hue. This is surely a must-see moment, isn't it? though it is incredibly difficult to witness it.

The bad news is that the public viewing of the temple has ended as of May 31 this year so as to better preserve the temple's historical architecture. I hope it will open its door to the public again soon!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...