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Rokuo-in Temple: A Tranquil Zen Retreat

Discover tranquility at Rokuo-in Temple in Kyoto, a serene Zen retreat famed for its stunning autumn colors and historic gardens near Arashiyama.

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Rokuo-in Temple, founded in 1380, offers a serene escape near Arashiyama, Kyoto. Known for its stunning autumn foliage and traditional Zen garden, this Rinzai sect temple provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling tourist spots, with a history tied to shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

A brief summary to Rokuo-in

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the autumn foliage season (late November to early December) for the most spectacular views of the maple-lined path.
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple and gardens.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the borrowed scenery of Arashiyama incorporated into the design of the Zen garden.
  • Check the official website for special events, such as the autumn nighttime illuminations, which require advance reservations.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it's approximately a 6-minute walk south to Rokuo-in Temple. Alternatively, take the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Rokuoin Station, which is only a 3-minute walk to the temple. Kyoto City Bus number 11 also stops nearby at the Shimo-Saga bus stop, a short walk from Rokuo-in.

  • Walking

    From Saga-Arashiyama Station, exit and walk south. Follow the signs for Rokuo-in Temple. The walk is approximately 6 minutes and is relatively flat. From Rokuoin Station on the Keifuku Line, turn right as you exit the station, walk south, then turn right (west) at the sign. The temple entrance will be on your right.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Kyoto Station or other major transportation hubs in Kyoto. Simply provide the driver with the address: 24 Sagakitaboricho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. The taxi ride from Kyoto Station to Rokuo-in Temple typically takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥3,000 and ¥3,700.

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Discover more about Rokuo-in

Rokuo-in Temple, nestled in the Sagakitaboricho area of Kyoto, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to 1380. Founded by Shunoku Myoha under the patronage of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it originally served as a sub-temple of Hodo-Zenji Temple. Though it once rivaled the nearby Tenryu-ji in grandeur, the Onin War in the late 15th century brought significant destruction, leading to its consolidation and later restoration in the 17th century. The temple is celebrated for its exquisite gardens, particularly the long, maple-lined path leading to the main buildings, which transforms into a vibrant tunnel of red and gold during autumn. The main garden is a flat-style dry landscape garden (karesansui) that incorporates the scenery of Arashiyama as a backdrop, featuring meticulously arranged stones, moss, and shrubs. The Shariden hall is said to have become the model of Kinkaku-ji Temple’s Shariden hall. Today, Rokuo-in offers visitors a tranquil retreat, away from the crowds. The temple provides a glimpse into Zen Buddhism, with opportunities to appreciate the beauty of its architecture and gardens. Visitors can also view the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha by Unkei. Though some important cultural properties are not generally open to the public, the temple holds special events and nighttime viewings, especially during the fall foliage season.

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