th Visit to Kyoto? Discover Hidden Gems & Best Walk-in Restaurants Without Reservations

Murin-an: Kyoto’s Hidden Garden Gem

Too impatient to book ahead and unwilling to splurge on reservation fees, I arrived at Murin-an’s gates just before 9 a.m. on a crisp Saturday morning. To my delight, only a handful of Japanese visitors shared the quiet anticipation with us. When the gates swung open, we strolled right in—no queues, no fuss!

This marked my fifth Kyoto adventure, having explored nearly every temple from grand to quaint. Yet nothing prepared me for Murin-an’s magic. The garden’s vibrant indigo seating popped against the emerald precision of its landscape—a masterpiece even in early spring’s bare elegance, without cherry blossoms or fiery maples to adorn it. Though posed photos were strictly forbidden (I couldn’t resist sneaking a few quick, guilty shots), its beauty left me spellbound.

The name Murin-an whispers wisdom: “Virtue is never solitary; it always finds company.”
🌲 Visionary designer Ogawa Jihei crafted this sanctuary during the Meiji era, blending Western architectural flair with ingenious hydraulics. The garden channels water from Lake Biwa Canal into whispering streams, crystal ponds, and cascading waterfalls—all nestled within a velvet carpet of moss and artfully pruned trees.

⛰️ A masterstroke? The “borrowed scenery” technique, borrowed from Chinese tradition, frames the Higashiyama mountains like living paintings. (Fun fact: From above, the layout whimsically mimics a Wi-Fi signal!)
🕯️ Inside, elegance reigns. My eyes lingered on the lighting—some fixtures bearing the genius touch of Isamu Noguchi, each piece a sculptural marvel.

For garden lovers, Murin-an is unmissable.
Plan for 30-60 minutes (I lost a blissful hour just sitting, mesmerized).
Afterward, Eikan-dō Temple’s serenity awaits—just a leisurely 10-minute stroll away.