Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Rin Manrikouji Temple – You WON'T Believe This!
Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Rin Manrikouji Temple – YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS! (Seriously, Prepare to be Amazed…Or Annoyed by My Rambling!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Rin Manrikouji Temple in Kyoto, and I'm still trying to process it. "Hidden Gem" doesn't even BEGIN to cover it. It's like a meticulously curated fever dream sprinkled with ancient history and surprisingly good coffee. (And yes, I'm rambling, deal with it. This place deserves my full-blown, unfiltered, slightly-obsessive attention.)
First Things First: The Basics (and the Surprisingly Easy Access)
You know, I’m usually a total train wreck when it comes to navigating transportation, but accessibility here was surprisingly smooth. Reaching Rin Manrikouji isn’t a hardcore mountaineering expedition. They actually thought about people needing easy access. Plus, they have car parking [free of charge] AND on-site car parking, which saved me from trying to parallel park in a Zen garden (probably not ideal). They also offer airport transfer – seriously, take it. Avoid the public transport chaos!
Accessibility & Wheelchair Friendly: While I didn’t personally test it (thankfully still mobile!), I noticed a genuine effort to be wheelchair accessible. Everything seemed thoughtful – lifts, ramps, wider doorways. They even had facilities for disabled guests, which I always appreciate. It's a huge thumbs up in my book!
The Room: My Cozy Little Sanctuary (or My Nest of Procrastination)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They're not just rooms; they're little zen havens of comfort. I had a room with air conditioning (thank the gods!), a mini bar (temptation central!), and a coffee/tea maker (essential for sustained travel-induced exhaustion). The free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, especially because I spent way more time streaming movies [on-demand] than I care to admit. There’s Internet access - LAN and Internet access - wireless
And yes, the carpeting was incredibly soft. Don’t judge me for appreciating the small things! But seriously, the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping off the jet lag. The extra long bed was the absolute best. They even had bathrobes and slippers. You can tell they went all out as the towels are some of the softest towels I've experienced anywhere.
Important Room Details:
- Non-smoking rooms are available, which is great.
- Soundproof rooms are a thing
- Safe box
- High floor
Food, Glorious Food (and the Caffeine Overload):
The food situation at Rin Manrikouji is…well, it’s amazing. Here's the stream of consciousness:
- Breakfast in room: Did that one morning. Perfect for recovering from all the exploring.
- Asian breakfast: Had a few of these. Very very good.
- Coffee shop: Oh, the coffee shop! Essential. The coffee was ridiculously good. Seriously, I may have developed a caffeine addiction.
- Western breakfast: Another morning. The waffles were on point.
- Restaurants: Many restaurant.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Happy news.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were perfect. I swear, every item was a work of art.
- Poolside bar: Yes, this is great.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is the greatest thing.
- Happy hour
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Western cuisine in restaurant
- A la carte in restaurant
- Buffet in restaurant
The Spa, Sauna, and Swimming (My Inner Peace vs. My Inner Child)
This is where things get ridiculously good…and slightly confusing. They have a spa/sauna. They have a pool with a view. They have a swimming pool (outdoor). I was torn between seeking inner peace in the sauna and unleashing my inner child in the pool.
- Body scrub: I never thought I needed one, but I'm changed forever.
- Body wrap: Had one after my scrub. Highly recommend.
- Massage: They know what they are doing.
- Pool with view: Gorgeous. Like, “Instagram-worthy” gorgeous (though I, of course, forgot my phone).
- Sauna: Ah, the glorious sauna. Soothing for the soul, and surprisingly effective at melting away the stress of…well, everything.
- Spa: Very good as well
Keeping it Clean (and Safe): The COVID-19 Stuff (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, let's get real. The world is a mess. But Rin Manrikouji takes cleanliness and safety seriously. I felt incredibly safe. They have:
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
They even offered room sanitization opt-out, so you can feel good about it if you're weird like that. They have physical distancing of at least 1 meter, because who wants someone sneezing on their perfectly crafted matcha latte? And, because they do, they offer sanitized kitchen and tableware items if you need such service.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life Isn't Always Zen)
Rin Manrikouji is surprisingly well-equipped with services.
- 24-hour front desk, check
- Concierge: Helpful
- Food delivery
- Luggage storage, check
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry service
- The elevator is fast, which is neat.
- Cash withdrawal
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa)
Okay, beyond the obvious – you know, relaxing – there’s a ton to do. They have a gym/fitness. I did not use it, because, well, let's just say I channeled my inner sloth. There is a fitness center. There’s a terrace, which is perfect for sipping that aforementioned coffee.
And, oh yeah, there’s a shrine! Right there on the property. Talk about instant access to a little bit of Japanese spiritual history.
For The Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart):
I have to admit, I didn't have any kids with me, but they seem VERY family/child friendly. They offer babysitting service and kids facilities.
Other Stuff I Didn’t Even Know I Needed:
- Daily housekeeping: Gotta love it.
- Doorman: Made me feel fancy.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Smoking area – for the smokers out there.
Getting Around (Because You Will Want to Explore)
- Taxi service: Is available.
- Bicycle parking: You can park a bicycle.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is PERFECT)
Okay, I'm not going to lie. It wasn't entirely flawless. My biggest pet peeve? The Wi-Fi in the room could be spotty sometimes. However, it's a small price to pay for what you get, and they offer Internet access - LAN. Also, there were some tiny construction noises that I only noticed when I was trying to nap in the afternoon. But, overall, those were minor blips.
Final Verdict: Book This Place, NOW!
Seriously, if you want to experience Kyoto in all its glory, Rin Manrikouji Temple is the place to be. It's a perfect mix of serenity, luxury, and (dare I say it?) FUN.
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The Offer (Because You Deserve It):
Book your stay at Rin Manrikouji Temple NOW and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay (for a limited time only!).
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Hot Springs Getaway: Unwind at Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. We're going to Rin Manrikouji in Kyoto, Japan, and let me tell you, the journey is going to be way more interesting than the destination… maybe.
Rin Manrikouji: A Hot Mess of a Trip (But Hopefully, A Delightful One)
Day 1: Arrival & Jet Lagged Delusions (and Ramen, Glorious Ramen)
7:00 AM (ish) - Narita Airport: Existential Dread. Okay, so I'm here. Japan. Land of… well, I still haven’t quite figured that out. Jet lag has me convinced I'm floating a foot off the ground. My luggage? Praying I haven't packed anything illegal. My sanity? Hanging by a thread.
10:00 AM - Train to Kyoto (or, the Great Subway Maze). Found the train! Thank god. The sheer efficiency is both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling. Feeling like an idiot for not knowing any Japanese. Google Translate is going to be my new best friend (and the cause of countless awkward encounters, I'm sure).
2:00 PM - Kyoto Station: Sensory Overload Central. Okay, Kyoto Station is… vast. Like, "can-you-even-process-this-much-stuff?" vast. I'm pretty sure I saw a robot. Maybe that was the jet lag. Or maybe it was the sheer volume of people, shops, and things to do. Starting to wish I hadn't had that extra coffee at the airport.
3:00 PM - Check-in at Rin Manrikouji Guesthouse: The Room of Mild Disappointment. Okay, the guesthouse is… functional. The photos online were slightly more flattering, but hey, I'm not expecting the Ritz. Tiny toilet, as expected. Probably a good thing, considering what I'm about to eat.
6:00 PM - Ramen Revelation. Found a tiny ramen shop. God, the broth! The noodles! I think I actually shed a tear of pure, unadulterated joy. Snatched up the last seat at the counter. Watched the chef work with a focused intensity that borders on religious zeal. The perfect antidote to existential dread. Also, I burned my tongue. Oops. Worth it.
8:00 PM - Wander Around Gion: Geisha, Ghosts, and General Confusion. Took a stroll through Gion, hoping to glimpse a geisha. Saw a few suspicious-looking women in elaborate makeup. Not sure if they were geishas or well-disguised tourists. The whole experience was tinged with a vague feeling of being watched. Also, I got lost. Again.
9:00 PM - Collapse in Bed. Attempt to sleep, fail. Swear at jet lag.
Day 2: Temples, Tea Ceremony (and a near-catastrophe)
- 7:00 AM - Wake up in a pool of sweat (jet lag at its best). Okay, how many hours of daylight do I need to spend in the sun before I become a functional human again?
- 9:00 AM - Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Gorgeous. Seriously, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The wooden stage! The views! The throngs of selfie-stick-wielding tourists (including myself, I’ll admit). The sheer number of people trying to grab the holy water from the waterfall reminded me of a zombie movie. Also, I almost dropped my phone off the edge. Heart stopped.
- 11:00 AM - Tea Ceremony Mishap: This was supposed to be a calming, zen experience, right? Instead, I spent half the time trying not to spill matcha on myself. And I'm pretty sure I did something wrong with the tea whisk. The host smiled politely, but I could feel the judgement. Also, I think I may have accidentally slurped while drinking.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch: Found a tiny place with the best tempura. Crispy! Delicious! Needed a nap immediately afterward.
- 2:00 PM - Fushimi Inari Shrine: The walk through the torii gates was pretty stunning. Like, Instagram-worthy stunning. I mean, I have to say. The photos I got were absolutely amazing. However, the swarms of people and the constant need to dodge people made it less serene, to be honest. I have a love-hate relationship with crowds.
- 4:00 PM - Wander around the area: The area was quite nice, and I even found a little cat cafe! The cats were utterly disinterested in me.
- 6:00 PM - Back to Rin Manrikouji, prepare for another night.
Day 3: The Search for the Perfect Zen (and Probably Failing)
- 8:00 AM - Attempt Zen Garden Meditation: Dragged my weary self to Ryoan-ji Temple. And just tried to meditate…failed miserably. My mind was like a pinball machine. My brain refuses to cooperate. I’m pretty sure I’m just built for chaos.
- 10:00 AM - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Lush, Green, and Crowded (Again). The pictures don’t lie – this place is magical. But the constant shuffling of tourists, again… detracts from the serenity, sadly. Still, the light filtering through the bamboo is beautiful. Managed to get a few photos before collapsing.
- 12:00 PM - River Cruise (Maybe): Weather looks iffy. Considering it. Maybe. Probably won’t. My energy levels are plummeting. Must…eat…something…soon.
- 1:00 PM - Finding a Local Cafe: Small, quiet. Finally some peace and quiet. The coffee was delicious.
- 2:30 PM - Back to the Guesthouse, attempt to write the blog.
- 7:00 PM - More ramen..because why not?
Day 4: Departure (With a Thousand Memories and Probably a ton of regret)
- 8:00 AM - Pack, stress, repeat. I am a terrible packer, and I have no idea how I'm going to fit everything back into that tiny suitcase.
- 9:00 AM - Quick stroll to a local store, buy some souvenirs. Trying to buy gifts for everyone. Should have done this sooner, as always.
- 10:00 AM - Back to Kyoto Station.
- 12:00 PM - Train to the airport.
- Departure: Okay. I've spent a week, and my luggage is likely overweight. I still don't know any Japanese. Jet lag is still kicking my ass. But… I had ramen. I saw a geisha (maybe). I almost dropped my phone in a waterfall. It was a mess, but it was my mess. And wouldn't trade it for anything. This trip was a disaster, but i am going to miss it so much. Until next time, Japan.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on my mood, the weather, and the availability of ramen. Expect the unexpected. And bring your sense of humor (and maybe a phrasebook). You're going to need it.
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Rin Manrikouji Temple: Seriously, A Hidden Gem You Won't Believe (If You Can Find It!) - FAQs & My Ramblings
Okay, Okay, Rin Manrikouji Temple... What's the Big Deal? Why "Hidden Gem?"
Alright, so picture this: Kyoto, right? Temples everywhere. Tourists everywhere. You're dodging selfie sticks like your life depends on it. Then, BAM! You stumble into... well, hopefully, you stumble into Rin Manrikouji. It's not on EVERY brochure. It's tucked away, seriously hidden! This isn't some mega-temple churning out photo-ops by the bucketload. It's small. Intimate. And the vibe? Pure, unadulterated peace. Think moss-covered courtyards, a genuine sense of history, and... wait for it... silence. Pure, glorious, ear-ringing silence. That's why it's a hidden gem. And yes, I nearly missed it myself. Twice. (More on that later...)
How DO I Actually Get There?! Seriously, GPS is Failing Me.
Ugh, the directions. THEY'RE A TEST. Seriously. Google Maps will probably lead you astray. I swear, I ended up in someone's garden the first time. Twice! (I told you!) My advice? Embrace the hunt. It's part of the adventure! Okay, deep breaths. You're looking for... the area around Nishijin. Search for "Kitanotenmangu Shrine," that's a good starting point. Then, with a mix of map-reading (yes, a REAL map!), asking for (polite) directions, and sheer dumb luck, follow the tiny, winding streets. Look for small signs. Keep your eyes OPEN. Seriously, blink and you'll miss it. And be prepared to walk. A lot. (Comfortable shoes are your friend!) And if you DO get lost... well, that's part of the fun, right? *gulps*
Is it worth the effort of finding it? Is it photogenic?
Absolutely, positively, unequivocally YES! (Even if it takes you three tries, like it did me – I'm still slightly humiliated, by the way). Photogenic? Oh, HELL YES. Think muted colours, dappled sunlight filtering through ancient trees, and a quiet beauty that Instagram can only *dream* of capturing. The pagoda! The moss! The tiny, perfectly manicured gardens! You'll want to take a million photos. (But please, be respectful of the space and the silence!) I'm not even a HUGE "photo person," and even I was snapping away like crazy.
What can I DO at Rin Manrikouji? Is it just a pretty place to look at?
Well, you COULD just stare. And honestly, that's partly the point! Stand in the beautiful courtyard. Soak it in. But there’s more. They sometimes have very small, quiet ceremonies. You might be able to light incense (if the mood strikes you and they are offering). You'll definitely find a sense of calm. You can wander through the temple buildings (carefully, remember, it's a working temple, not a tourist trap). Most importantly, you can disconnect from the hustle of Kyoto. Seriously. That's what I crave the most, particularly after fighting through some crowds elsewhere. I even started to feel like I could breathe again.
Is it Crowded? Anything to avoid when visiting such a "hidden" temple?
That's the beauty of it! Usually *NO*. And if you do see anyone, it's likely someone as equally awestruck as you are. However, to avoid any potential issues, try to visit earlier in the day or mid-week. Avoid national holidays (I learned that the hard way with another, less-hidden temple...). Be respectful, be quiet, be mindful of the space. Don’t be THAT person who shouts, or messes with the rocks or goes off-limits. Seriously, it's common sense, people!
Did you have any... memorable experiences? Tell me the funny stories. or the embarrassing ones.
Oh, boy. Where do I even START? Okay, so, the first time I *tried* to find it... I followed Google Maps, which, as I’ve said, is a cruel joke. I traipsed through the most charming, tiny, almost identical-looking streets. Then, I walked into a dead end. And then I realized I was *inside* someone's actual garden! Like, I was *surrounded* by carefully-placed rocks and flowers, with a sweet Japanese lady staring at me from her doorway. Mortifying! I mumbled apologies (in my terrible Japanese), and did a hasty retreat. That was strike one.
Strike two? Found the street! Hooray! Followed the signs! Almost there! And then… rain. Pouring rain. I was soaked, grumpy, and the temple appeared to be closed at that point! I was soaked to the bone, cold, and starting to feel like I'd been pranked by the universe.
Finally— Strike three! I finally found it! The sun was shining! And for the first time, I finally let myself slow down and JUST BE. I spent hours there, just breathing, and almost forgot what it was like to feel that way. It felt like a massive weight had been lifted. Then, as if to emphasize how important the place was, I saw a group of older Japanese ladies meditating. They were so serene. I've never felt so grounded and peaceful since.
Is there a cost to enter?
Yes, but it's usually pretty reasonable. Think a few hundred yen, maybe. Be prepared to have cash, they don’t take cards (I think). Also, remember, you are contributing to the upkeep of a beautiful space, so do not begrudge them.
Any final advice? Anything you wish you'd known *before* you went?
Yes. Several things!
- Trust no GPS.
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Bring a map (or at least be prepared to ask for directions). You can show the picture of the temple from your phone.
- Take your time. Go slow.
- Embrace the disorientation - you'll definitely get lost.
- Be prepared to fall in love.
- Most Important: Don't give up!
You won't regret it. Honestly, Rin Manrikouji is like a little secret whispered by Kyoto itself - something truly special,Comfort Zone Inn
