Kyoto in motion: Green maple leaves reflected on Rurikoin temple desk, floor

KYOTO — The green maple leaves are at their most spectacular at Rurikoin temple in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward with water droplets bringing out the best of the garden in the rainy season.

This temple in the Takano River basin at the foot of Mount Hiei is in the style of a tea-ceremony building renovated in the Taisho through Showa eras (1912-1989). It is designed so that its windows serve as a frame, making the view from the inside out look like a painting.

On the second floor of the temple, the greenery seen through windows is reflected on a desk for copying sutras and on the floor, creating a quiet, fantastical scene. As photos of the temple posted on Instagram and other social media have recently grown in popularity, more and more young people have visited the site. The temple is taking thorough countermeasures against the coronavirus by preparing disinfectant and taking visitors’ temperatures for the special spring viewings taking place until June 15.

(Japanese original by Kazuki Yamazaki, Osaka Photo Department)