From Ruriko-in Temple in Yase to Sanzen-in and Jakko-in Temples in Ohara

This one-day itinerary takes you from Yase at the foot of Mt. Hiei to the mountain village of Ohara to the north via Kyoto Bus, touring historic temples. As Ruriko-in Temple, the first stop, is open to visitors only during special viewing periods in spring, summer, and autumn, please check the dates before setting out.

History and Regional Charm

According to legend, Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu) suffered an arrow wound to his back during the Jinshin War of 672 and healed his injury in a kamaburo (steam bath) in Yase; this story is said to have led to the area being called "Yase" (written with characters meaning arrow and back). Further north lies Ohara, a mountain village at the foot of Mt. Hiei, approximately 12 kilometers north of central Kyoto. Shorin-in Temple was established here as a specialized training center for shomyo (Buddhist ritual chanting praising the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas), and Ohara became known as a sacred center for Tendai shomyo. The names of the Ritsusen River and Rosen River flowing through the grounds of Sanzen-in Temple are also said to be derived from the "ro" and "ritsu" scales of shomyo. In Kusao on the western side of the village stands Jakko-in Temple, a nunnery closely tied to The Tale of the Heike.

Key Highlights

• ​Ruriko-in Temple​​: A Jodo Shinshu sect temple located in Yase, formally named Muryojusan Komyo-ji Kyoto Hon-in Ruriko-in. It is widely renowned for the view of maple trees in the garden reflecting onto the desks and floors of the Shoin hall, showing fresh green foliage from spring through summer and vivid autumn colors in fall. The name of the temple is said to derive from its moss-covered main garden with a crystal spring that appears to shine with a lapis lazuli (ruri) hue.
• ​Sanzen-in Temple​​: One of the Gokashitsu Monzeki of the Tendai sect, which became a miya-monzeki headed by imperial princes and royal family members from the late Heian period onward. The Ojo Gokuraku-in hall houses an Amida Triad, designated as a National Treasure; the flanking Bodhisattvas sit in the "Yamato-suwari" posture with knees slightly parted and the torso leaning forward. In the moss-carpeted Yusei-en Garden, small warabe jizo statues created by stone sculptor Sugimura Takashi stand quietly.
• ​Hosen-in Temple​​: A temple that began as a monk's residence for Shorin-in Temple. Its garden, Bankan-en Garden, is framed between the building's pillars like a picture frame and features a five-needle pine tree said to be 700 years old, which can be viewed leisurely while enjoying matcha green tea. Other highlights include the sound of the suikinkutsu water harp heard by placing an ear against a bamboo tube on the veranda, and the "blood ceiling" preserved from Fushimi Castle.
• ​Jakko-in Temple​​: A Tendai nunnery said to have been founded in 594 by Prince Shotoku. Kenreimon-in, daughter of Taira no Kiyomori and mother of Emperor Antoku, entered this temple in 1185, spending the rest of her life praying for the repose of the fallen Taira clan and her child. In front of the main hall is Migiwa Pond, which appears in The Tale of the Heike. Following a fire in 2000, the main hall was reconstructed in 2005 in its original form.

Recommended Route and Estimated Time

The estimated time for this route is around 7 hours, including sightseeing and transit. From Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, the terminus of the Eizan Railway, walk along the clear Takano River and cross the bridge to Ruriko-in Temple. After the visit, board a Kyoto Bus bound for Ohara from the "Yase-ekimae" bus stop and alight at the Ohara terminus. Ruriko-in Temple and Sanzen-in Temple are located about 6.7 kilometers apart in a straight line northward. From the Ohara bus stop, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Sanzen-in Temple, and Hosen-in Temple is about 200 meters to the north across the Ritsusen River from Sanzen-in. From Hosen-in Temple, head back toward the Ohara bus stop and continue west toward Jakko-in Temple. The linear distance between Hosen-in Temple and Jakko-in Temple is roughly 1.2 kilometers, and Jakko-in Temple is also about a 15-minute walk from the Ohara bus stop. Because walking between the bus stops and temples in Ohara takes considerable time, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Summary of the Experience

Spend a full day exploring the temples at the foot of Mt. Hiei: from maple foliage reflected on desks to moss and framed gardens, a monzeki temple in the village of shomyo, and the peaceful nunnery where Kenreimon-in spent her days. Take your time to enjoy the gardens and history of Yase and Ohara.