When traveling around Japan, I always research local delicious foods to try, but lately I find myself choosing ramen every time.

Kyoto is home to the main store of “Tenkaippin,” the rich kotteri ramen chain with branches nationwide.

Personally, I had eaten at one of their Tokyo branches once and thought “This isn’t very good…” and hadn’t eaten there since, but I decided to visit the main store thinking the taste might be different!

I went on a Sunday around 2:30 PM.
Despite it being well past lunchtime, there was a line. As expected from a popular restaurant.
By the way, the location is about 40 minutes by bus from central Kyoto.

This is the main store!

This is the main store!

About 10-plus people were lined up when I arrived, but the turnover was surprisingly fast and I was seated in about 10 minutes.

Inside the restaurant. Besides ramen, they have quite an extensive menu with set meals and side dishes.
There were posters of Becky who does their TV commercials, and even advertisements for the spa resort they operate. I wonder where they’re heading with all this.

Of course it was full.
The president’s photo and company mottos, plus things like “Started with 37,000 yen” written on the walls are unique to the main store.

The menu.
The popular items here seem to be Stamina Ramen and Beef Tendon Ramen, but I ordered mini portions of both the basic “Kotteri Ramen” and “Yatai no Aji” (Food Stall Flavor), which is advertised as the original founding taste.

This way of ordering seemed unusual, as they asked me “Two… bowls?”

And here came my two mini ramen bowls.
Left is kotteri, right is yatai flavor!

The kotteri ramen has a thick, potage-like viscous soup.
It feels a bit different from the rich ramen in Fukuoka.
It had more proper richness and was more delicious than what I had at Tenkaippin in Tokyo.

Yatai no Aji (Food Stall Flavor). This is also relatively rich, but closer to regular tonkotsu ramen.
They look similar and probably have the same base, but it has a different deliciousness from the kotteri.

I could choose between regular and thin noodles, so of course I chose thin noodles!

The taste varies quite a bit by location.
When I went to Tokyo it wasn’t that impressive, but I thought I wouldn’t mind coming back here.

For Tenkaippin fans, this should be a pilgrimage site!
Even if you’re not a fan, it might be worth visiting once when you come to Kyoto.

Among the many popular autumn foliage spots in Kyoto, one standout location is Rurikō-in Temple.

The spectacular autumn colors seen from the traditional sukiya-style architecture are truly a breathtaking sight.

The photos of maple reflections on the table are especially famous and often discussed on social media.

In mid-November, already deep into the autumn foliage season, I decided on a whim to visit Rurikō-in.

Despite the reservation slots being mostly filled, I managed to secure a booking for the slightly less crowded November 30th, thanks to the current circumstances.

The entry fee of 2,000 yen seemed a bit high for a temple(in 2022), but by the time I left Rurikō-in, I was filled with satisfaction.

It’s great that reservations are required nowadays, so there’s no need to wait in long lines, making it a place I truly enjoyed visiting!

Access and Transportation to Rurikō-in

To get to Rurikō-in by public transport, the Eizan Electric Railway’s Yase-Hieizanguchi Station or the Kyoto Bus Yase Station are convenient.

Although the Hieizan Cable’s Yase Station is nearby, it leads to the summit of Mount Hiei and is unlikely used when accessing from the city.

Having had a bad experience with Kyoto’s buses, I personally avoided them and opted for the train instead.

From Kyoto Station, for example, you can take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then switch to the Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station.
From there, take the Eizan Electric Railway to its terminus at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

There seems to be no nearby parking, so if accessing by car, the official website recommends using the “Kyoto City Demachi Parking Lot.”

From there, take the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

Reservations Required During Autumn Foliage Season at Rurikō-in, Admission Fee is 2,000 Yen

Entry to Rurikō-in is only possible during the special viewing periods in spring (April to June) and autumn (October to December).

While spring is relatively uncrowded and doesn’t require reservations, you must book in advance through the official website during the autumn foliage season.

Official Rurikō-in Yase Website

The admission fee is 2,000 yen for all seasons. It’s somewhat pricey, so please check in advance if you are okay with the cost.

From Yase-Hieizanguchi Station to Rurikō-in. Picturesque Scenery Along the Way

After taking JR → Keihan → Eizan Electric Railway, you arrive at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

Exiting the station, you cross the wooden bridge right in front of you, turn right, and head to Rurikō-in.

Though past the peak of autumn foliage, there were still vibrant red maples along the way.

At the entrance of Rurikō-in, there were lanes for the queue, but it seemed people were entering smoothly that day.
At the reception, confirm your reservation and pay the admission fee of 2,000 yen per person to enter.

Despite the limited number due to the reservation system, the place was quite crowded.

The path to the building also offers plenty of beautiful scenery for photography.

Halfway, I encountered a gate and thought it was the entrance, but it was actually the exit.
Let’s continue up further.

A single maple leaf fallen on the moss.

Apparently, this is the entrance to the building.
With the maple colors deepening, many groups started taking commemorative photos.

Leave your shoes at the entrance in the provided bags and enter.

Upon ascending the stairs, there was already a crowd. Perhaps the climax is right at the start?

The Breathtaking Beauty of the Garden and the Reflections on the Table

As expected! I immediately reached “the spot” upon entering the building.

Wait patiently in line for your turn to take photos.
When it’s your turn, try to take your photos as quickly as possible.

The scenery of the garden and the glossy table reflecting it. Anyone can capture a beautiful photo by including both elements in the frame.

The peak has slightly passed, so there are fewer red leaves, but it’s still quite beautiful.

There are actually a lot of people taking photos around me, but they don’t appear in the picture.

Regrettably, after taking enough photos, move on to the next spot.

More than Just the Reflections on the Table: A Host of Attractions

While the spot with the reflections on the table is the most famous, Rurikō-in is not just about that. You can enjoy the garden from various angles.

If you thought there was a sauna here from the time of the Jinshin War…

A spot on the ground floor from where you can enjoy the garden.

This spot also had many photographers. Despite the current times, there were quite a few visitors from abroad.
It’s indeed a popular spot for experiencing Japanese culture.

There are many other rooms with views of the garden, windows where you can see beautiful autumn leaves, and many attractions inside the building.
I only knew about the spot with the reflective table, but the interior is quite spacious.

Enjoy the autumn garden in shades of red, yellow, orange, and green.
I was initially taken aback by the admission fee of 2,000 yen, but it was indeed a worthwhile experience.

八瀬 瑠璃光院公式サイト

Established in the 7th century (607 AD), this temple associated with Prince Shōtoku is said to be the world’s oldest wooden building.

In 1993, Hōryū-ji Temple, along with its surrounding Buddhist structures, was designated as a World Heritage Site.

This article will introduce how to get to Hōryū-ji Temple and its highlights.

Directions to Hōryū-ji Temple (Access) and Business Hours, Admission Fees

How to Get to Hōryū-ji Temple

Hōryū-ji Temple is located in the town of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture.

Although there is a “Hōryū-ji Station” on the JR Yamatoji Line, it is about 1.6 km from the station, approximately a 25-minute walk. There is a bus service from the station, but it doesn’t run very often, so planning ahead is advisable.

(Reference: Timetable Search – Nara Kotsu Bus Navi web)

If possible, traveling by car is best to Hōryū-ji Temple, and if driving is challenging, combining JR trains with a bus or taxi would be the next best option.

There are many parking lots around Hōryū-ji Temple, but the fees vary significantly. When I visited, the parking lots closer to the temple were more affordable than those closer to the entrance.

It’s recommended to check the parking lots near the temple entrance before settling for the first one you find.

Business Hours and Admission Fees of Hōryū-ji Temple

Business hours (visiting hours) of Hōryū-ji Temple are as follows:

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• February 22 to November 3 → 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• November 4 to February 21 → 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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The admission fees are as follows. They also cover the West Precinct, Great Treasure Hall, and East Precinct.

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• Individuals: Adults 1,500 yen, Elementary School Students 750 yen
• Groups (30 or more): Adults 1,200 yen, University/High School Students 1,050 yen, Middle School Students 900 yen, Elementary School Students 600 yen
• Disability Discount: The person and one caregiver (two for wheelchair users) 750 yen, Elementary School Students 370 yen

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For the latest business hours and fees, please always check the official website of Hōryū-ji Temple.

Highlights of Hōryū-ji Temple

While Hōryū-ji Temple is famous for its Five-Story Pagoda, it actually has a vast premises with many notable spots to visit. Here are some highlights to check out:

Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda

Right near the entrance of Hōryū-ji Temple are the Main Hall (Kondō) and the Five-Story Pagoda (Gojū-no-tō).

The Main Hall houses the principal Buddha triad, and its interior walls and Buddha statues are masterpieces of Asuka period Buddhist art. (Note: No photography inside)

The Five-Story Pagoda, known for its beauty and as a symbol of Hōryū-ji Temple, has a majestic presence that belies its age of over 1400 years.

Great Treasure Hall

A short walk from the area with the Five-Story Pagoda is the Great Treasure Hall.

Hōryū-ji Temple exhibits many treasured artifacts here, including national treasures and important cultural properties.

History enthusiasts will be moved by the remarkable treasures, and even those not particularly interested in history will be impressed by how well these ancient artifacts have been preserved.

Vajra Warrior Statues at the Central Gate

Right along the approach to Hōryū-ji Temple is the Central Gate.

The Central Gate is flanked by Vajra Warrior statues, which are believed to be the oldest extant Nio statues.

The reddish statue on the right is known as “Agyō“.

And the bluish statue on the left as “Ungyō“.

Both statues are incredibly imposing, and even those with little interest in history are sure to be awed.

Summary of How to Get to and Highlights of Hōryū-ji Temple in Nara

I only knew about the Five-Story Pagoda before visiting, but I was surprised to find many other sights and how spacious the temple grounds were.

If you’re planning a thorough visit, it’s advisable to allocate at least two hours, including time to walk around.

Hōryū-ji Temple is a place that everyone has probably heard about at least once in their history classes.

It’s a spot worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.

Senbon Torii(it means thousands of Toriis) is very impressive for its red Toriis standing in a row at tens of centimeters.

Kyoto has a lot of famous sightseeing spots like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo-jo castle and so on and Fushimi Inari-Taisha is also a place you should visit.

Red Toriis and Foxes welcoming at Fushimi Inari-Taisha

The nearest station to Fushimi Inari-Taisha is JR Inari station or Keihan Railway Fushimi Inari station. It takes 8min by train to JR Inari staion from Kyoto station.

I started at Keihan Fushimi Inari station. It’s good atmosphere by vivid red pillars and white foxes. The Fox have been believed as a messenger of God since long ago.

This is the road to Fushimi Inari. A bridge is also vivid red.

Good looking old Japanese-style houses stands in a row along a street.

This big Torii is a landmark of entrance of Fushimi Inari-Taisha.

A stern faced fox posing dynamically holds something gold in its mouth. Is it deep-fried tofu?
(The deep-fried tofu called “Abura-age” have been considered as favorite of fox in Old Japan. To tell the truth a fox is a carnivorous animal, though…)

I finished a worship and went to Senbon-Torii.

Women weared Japanese Kimono is also good for this location.

This is a guide map of precincts of the temple. There is Senbon-Torii halfway up the mountain from here main shrine.

Some souvenirs are here and many of them are related to the Torii.

You can see many Toriis standing in a row at narrow spaces but don’t be surprised such a scenery. It’s only the beginning.

Let’s go to the Senbon-Torii pass under Toriis.
It’s interesting that some Toriis are vivid red and others are faded because of their age.

In Senbon-Torii, thousands of red Toriis fill your sight

I finally arrived at a junction. Here is the Senbon-Torii. Many many many Toriis, it’s brilliant…

Thousands of red Toriis filled almost all of my sight. It’s amazing and mysterious feeling.

They stands at intervals of 10-20 centimeters. Here is surrounded by trees so their green color is good contrast.

I feeled like being sucked somewhere.

When I looked back I could see many adresses and company or individual names who dedicated Torii to the shrine.

It’s an exit!

Here is Okusha shrine where go out from an exit.
There were many High-school girls on a school excursion because Kyoto and Fushimi Inari is famous sightseeng place.

This is “Omo-karu Stone”. It is said that if this stone’s weight is lighter than you expected then you get your wish and the reverse is true. I recommend you should guess it’s very heavy.

There are variety of fox faces. You can buy and write it.(at ¥500)

Since I was already here, I went ahead little more.

From here stairs are getting more steep.

There are many Toriis and Hokoras(small shrine). They look their own directions so I have no idea about their regularity.

This is a price list of dedicationg Toriis. It’s expensive, isnt it?

I proceeded on my way taking a side glance at emotional Japanese tea shop.

I moved up quite a ways.

I think here is a top of this mountain, isn’t it?

But it’s not. Here is a middle point of all the way. It’s longer than I think. I decided to retrace my course.

Japanese calico cat sent me off on the way back.
(It depends on her mood)

Instead I sent her off.

After all, thousands of Red Torii rows are magnifisent. It is worth watching.

Postscript

I recommend here if you have a chance to come to Kyoto, Japan.
It’s better to bring light equipment because you need to walk some distance.