Rurikō-in Temple is 63% Kids-Friendly
What are the highlights at Rurikō-in Temple (with kids)?
- Explore three gardens with easy paths for kids to roam.
- Kids can spot frogs and find the “sleeping dragon” rock formation.
- Try free sutra copying to engage older children in calligraphy.
- Share a matcha tea and wagashi set in the tranquil tearoom.
- Visit in late November for peak multicolored maple displays.
How Kids-Friendly is Rurikō-in Temple?
Children enter free, can spot koi and colored leaves, and try one kanji in the sutra room, yet many steps, no play area, and requests for silence demand close parental supervision.
Considerations for visiting Rurikō-in Temple (with kids)
Positives:
- Free child entry: Children in elementary school and younger enter the temple grounds for free.
- Interactive learning: Sutra copying offers a calm, educational activity for older kids.
Challenges:
- Limited seating: Tearoom seats only a few; you may need to wait before you can sit.
- No stroller access indoors: Gravel paths and narrow steps prohibit strollers inside temple buildings.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to explore all three gardens, let kids roam safely, and try sutra copying without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rurikō-in Temple
Sanrōji Garden frog spotting:
Walk flat moss and maple paths and look for frogs near the stream.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes so kids can run safely along gravel paths.
Garyū Garden’s sleeping dragon:
Find the rock-and-pond design that resembles a sleeping dragon.
Tip: Guide kids to spot dragon features by comparing rock shapes to animal outlines.
Sutra copying activity:
Try copying one or two sutra characters on provided paper.
Tip: Encourage older kids to write slowly and admire their calligraphy.
Matcha tea and wagashi:
Share a set of matcha tea with Japanese sweets in the tearoom.
Tip: Order one ¥1,000 set to taste matcha and sweets as a family; seats fill quickly.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × ¥2,000) | JPY 4,000 |
| Family matcha tea set | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Rurikō-in Temple?
Visit in late November for peak red, yellow, and pink maple leaves. Go on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Rurikō-in Temple
- Arrive early: Get there before 9am to enjoy gardens in quiet and secure tearoom seating.
- Use a baby carrier: Carry toddlers in a sling to navigate gravel paths and narrow stairs easily.
Map of Rurikō-in Temple
Address: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0067, Japan
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Reviews of Rurikō-in Temple
Ronetteski Estante
Visited October 16, 2024 (Wednesday). There were lots of tourists but not so crowded as compared to peak season. I had a peaceful time here. Stayed for more than an hour.
Kenny Yap
Crowded? Overpriced? Visited on 4th December and there was few people, perhaps because the reservation period (until 2 Dec) was over. I strolled over from Eikando temple, a near 45minutes walk. I arrived around 4pm, and there was no queue to enter. I proceeded to pay 2000¥ and enter the place. It’s a short flight of steps up and then you enter the compound where you have to take your shoes off a...
Kevin T
Yes the fall colours are stunning but very expensive for admission (¥2000). Also very crowded and in a very tight space. I visited and walked through 5 temples close by and they were all very quiet and equally incredible. I would skip this particular one
Clarice Chan
Booked the timed entry ticket (required in Nov during peak viewing season), even so, had to wait 10-15 mins to enter. It was really crowded but if you're patient, can definitely take photos of the reflection of the leaves on the lacquered table. The reflection of the leaves though - looks better on camera than in person. All other photos of the leaves looked better in person though. Look out for t...
nuinsrnui
A Buddhist temple in the forest. Very calm and zen feeling. They will guide you to a small walking tour inside the temple. There is also a paper for you to write Japanese calligraphy with the Buddhist mantra which you can write your name, address and your wish there. After that, place the paper faced down at the down stair in front of the Buddha statue. Worth a visit!
About Rurikō-in Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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