Overview
Rurikei is a roughly four-kilometre gorge in Okawachi, Sonobe-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, carved by the Sonobe River, a tributary of the Oi River. Clear water sculpts the rhyolite rock into scattered waterfalls and strangely shaped stones, and this scenic beauty was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1932. Part of a prefectural natural park, it was also chosen as one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes for the pleasant murmur of its streams.
Highlights
- ●A gorge of some four kilometres named for its lapis-lazuli waters
- ●Its value as a national Place of Scenic Beauty designated in 1932
- ●The twelve celebrated 'Junisho' spots such as Kinshugan and Soryuen
- ●The pleasant sound of water, chosen among Japan's 100 Soundscapes
History
The gorge was originally called 'Namera', but in 1905 the district head Miyake Shoin and the local school principal Takeuchi Gentaro visited, and Miyake, moved by its beauty, renamed it 'Rurikei' after the lapis-lazuli hue of its waters. Takeuchi grew so enchanted that he was nicknamed 'Ruri-kyo', or the Ruri enthusiast, and is said to have assisted the national survey toward its designation. Following the 1932 national designation, it remains a beloved destination today.
Access
The gorge lies in Okawachi, Sonobe-cho, Nantan City, in central Kyoto Prefecture, at roughly 35.04 latitude and 135.40 longitude among the hills. It has long been popular as a day trip from the cities of Osaka and Kyoto. A walking path runs along the ravine, and going further upstream leads to hiking in the deeper mountains. As transport and access routes may change, please confirm current details through official information before your visit.
Best season
Rurikei is known for its autumn colours, when the maples framing the gorge contrast beautifully with the clear stream in fall. The fresh green of early summer and the seasons when the waterfalls run full each have their own appeal. Walking the ravine depends on weather and water levels, so it is wise to check conditions for your chosen time through official information.
Map
35.0358, 135.4046 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Follow the walking path along the Sonobe River from the gorge entrance
- 2Tour the Junisho spots such as Kinshugan and Soryuen
- 3Continue upstream to Tsutenko Lake to view the lapis-lazuli water
- 4Enjoy hiking and autumn colour in the deeper mountains beyond
Did you know?
💡 The name comes from the way clear water flowing out of Tsutenko Lake at the head of the gorge reflects the light to shimmer like a lapis-lazuli gemstone. The ravine holds twelve celebrated spots known as the 'Junisho', with elegant, poem-like names such as Kinshugan, Soryuen, Kattokan, Zazenseki and Suishoren.
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