流響院

“The queue begins at 9 a.m.!” a voice called out, echoing the quiet murmur of anticipation already rippling through the gathering crowd. We’re standing before Rurikoin Temple, a place as fleeting and exquisite as its namesake, the Lapis Lazuli Garden. Rurikoin Temple isn’t always open. Like a rare blossom, it graces the public eye for only a few precious months each year. This exclusivity only amplifies the temple’s allure. Rurikoin Temple began its journey not as a sacred ground, but as the private villa of Prince Sanjo Sanetomi. It wasn’t until the 1930s that this residential haven was transformed into the breathtaking temple we see before us. Leading the charge was a visionary architect, Nakamura Sotoji, who, with landscape designer Toemon Sano, breathed new life into the space. It opened to the world much later, in 2015, revealing its hidden beauty. Today, we’re drawn not just to the temple’s serene ambience but to a specific scene. The second floor of the main building houses a polished black lacquered table, a captivating piece that reflects Rurikoin’s crown jewel – the Ruri-no-niwa garden. This iconic reflection has taken the world by storm, splashed across social media as a symbol of the temple’s tranquil beauty. But there’s more to Rurikoin than Instagram-worthy reflections. The ground whisper stories of Prince Oama, later to be known as Emperor Tenmu. He sought solace in the healing waters of a traditional Japanese steam bath, the Kama-buro, located within these very grounds. Rurikoin stands as a guardian of this architectural treasure, one of the few places in Japan where you can still witness this ancient tradition. As you explore, remember to gaze upon the Amitabha Buddha, enshrined in the main hall. If you’re fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of Rurikoin’s hidden treasures, like the Amida Sanzon Raigo-zu painting, a whisper from the Muromachi period. The doors are about to open, and soon, we’ll have the privilege of stepping into a world where history, artistry, and nature entwine, leaving a lasting memory on our souls.