Do you all know *Rurouni Kenshin*?<\/p>\n
Since it\u2019s been adapted not only into an anime but also into a live-action movie starring Takeru Satoh, I think most people have heard of it at least once.<\/p>\n
Since Kyoto appears so often in *Rurouni Kenshin*, there are quite a few spots where fans can go on a pilgrimage to the series' locations.<\/p>\n
So in this article, we\u2019ll cover not only the original manga series *Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan*, but also the five live-action film series\u2014including *Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno*, *Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends*, *Rurouni Kenshin: The Final*, and *Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning*\u2014 \u201cRurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,\u201d \u201cRurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends,\u201d \u201cRurouni Kenshin: The Final Chapter \u2013 The Final,\u201d and \u201cRurouni Kenshin: The Final Chapter \u2013 The Beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Please feel free to use this as a guide when planning your pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
Rurouni Kenshin began as a Japanese manga series titled *Rurouni Kenshin: A Meiji Swordsman's Romantic Tale* by Nobuhiro Watsuki.<\/p>\n
It has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 1994 and is well known to many people thanks to its anime and live-action film adaptations.<\/p>\n
First, let's take a look at the plot summary of *Rurouni Kenshin*.<\/p>\n
Let's take a look at the synopsis of the first episode of *Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan*, titled \"Kenshin: Himura Battosai.\"<\/p>\n
Meiji 11, Tokyo\u2019s Shitamachi district. Kaoru Kamiya, a senior instructor of the \u201cKamiya Katsushin-ryu\u201d school, was pursuing a street assassin known as \u201cHitokiri Battosai,\u201d who was falsely claiming to belong to his school. One night, Kaoru encountered a man carrying a sword. He immediately confronted the man, but the man showed no sign of wanting to fight.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this the swordsman Batt\u014dsai?\u201d To Kaoru, who looked puzzled, the man introduced himself as \u201cthe wanderer\u201d Himura Kenshin.<\/p>\n
The \"Togetsukyo Bridge\" in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is famous as a location featured in the anime \"Rurouni Kenshin.\"<\/p>\n
\"Togetsukyo\" was used as the second opening theme for *Rurouni Kenshin*, and scenes like the one where Kenshin turns around to see his master walking toward him are very familiar to us, aren't they?<\/p>\n
A river also appears in the ending sequence; this is likely the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Oi River flowing beneath it.<\/p>\n
The Togetsukyo Bridge is one of Arashiyama\u2019s most famous tourist attractions, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
This is a 155-meter-long bridge spanning the Katsura River, which flows between Sagano and Arashiyama.<\/p>\n
It is said to have originated when the monk D\u014dsh\u014d built a bridge there around 834.<\/p>\n
It is said that the bridge was named Togetsukyo in the early Heian period because Emperor Kameyama, while gazing at the moon in the sky above the bridge, remarked, \u201cIt resembles the moon crossing the sky without a cloud.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bridge's current appearance was designed in 1934 to blend seamlessly with the scenic beauty of Arashiyama.<\/p>\n
With the murmur of the river, sightseeing cruises on traditional houseboats, cormorant fishing, the autumn foliage festival, and various other events held throughout the year, this is a must-visit destination no matter the season.<\/p>\n
Saga Nakanoshima-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto<\/p>\n
075-343-0548<\/p>\n
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp\/info_search\/?id=289&r=1687454978.4393<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-2401\/<\/a><\/p>\n The view from the top of the Sanmon Gate is featured in the ending sequence of *Rurouni Kenshin*.<\/p>\n The roof is shown in Bonnie Pink's \"It's Gonna Rain!\"<\/p>\n This place is famous for the line \u201cWhat a magnificent view! What a magnificent view!\u201d spoken by the notorious master thief Ishikawa Goemon.<\/p>\n Just as that line says, the cherry blossoms in full bloom are still a truly beautiful sight.<\/p>\n When you actually come to this spot at Nanzen-ji Temple, the ending theme from *Rurouni Kenshin* starts playing in your head, doesn't it?<\/p>\n Located in Fukuchi-ch\u014d, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, this temple belongs to the Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and was founded in 1909 by Emperor Kameyama.<\/p>\n It is famous for being the most prestigious of all Zen temples.<\/p>\n Although the Sanmon gate had been destroyed in the past, it was rebuilt in 1628 to console the spirits of the samurai who died in battle during the Summer Campaign of Osaka.<\/p>\n You're sure to be awestruck by its 22-meter height and its thickness.<\/p>\n In addition to the Sanmon Gate, there are also other Important Cultural Properties, such as the Chokushi Gate and the colored portrait of Daimei Kokushi on silk.<\/p>\n Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto<\/p>\n 075-71-0365<\/p>\n Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nanzenji.or.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-2267\/<\/a><\/p>\n The bamboo grove at Zuishin-in has become a pilgrimage site because this is where Kaoru came looking for Kenshin.<\/p>\n This area was also featured in the scene where Kenjin recalls his past after seeing a woman crying, following the deaths of a police officer and one of Takeda Kanryu\u2019s henchmen at the hands of Udo Haei.<\/p>\n This Zuishin-in Temple is also where Kenshin is depicted running away after his battle with Kujirami.<\/p>\n \"Zuishin-in\" is a temple of the Shingon-shu Zentsuji sect located in Ono-Goryo-cho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City.<\/p>\n Founded by the monk Ninkai, it is famous as a temple associated with Ono no Komachi.<\/p>\n There are numerous Important Cultural Properties here, including a wooden seated statue of Amida Nyorai, a wooden seated statue of Vajrasattva, a wooden seated statue of Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, and the Zuisin-in documents.<\/p>\n 35 Ono-Goryo-cho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-571-0025<\/p>\n About a 5-minute walk from Ono Station on the Tozai Subway Line<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.zuishinin.or.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-1555\/<\/a><\/p>\n \"Kinkai K\u014dmy\u014d-ji\" appeared in the \"Great Kyoto Fire\" arc of *Rurouni Kenshin*, where it was established as the location of Arai Akazora's grave.<\/p>\n There was a scene where Kenshin knelt in front of Akao Arai\u2019s grave, his hands pressed together.<\/p>\n I hear the scene was filmed right at the top of the stairs, so be sure to check it out.<\/p>\n \"Kinkai K\u014dmy\u014d-ji\" is located in Kurodani-ch\u014d, Saky\u014d Ward, Kyoto City, and is the head temple of the J\u014ddo-sh\u016b sect.<\/p>\n It is affectionately known locally as \u201cKuro-Toki-san,\u201d and its principal image is Amida Nyorai.<\/p>\n It is said to have been founded by the Venerable H\u014dnen in 1175, and it is also the temple where the Shinsengumi originated.<\/p>\n It is said that H\u014dnen began his journey by descending from Kurodani on Mount Hiei and establishing a hermitage there.<\/p>\n It is one of the seven major head temples of the Jodo sect and is on par with Chion-in in terms of status.<\/p>\n This temple, where the Shinsengumi was founded, is home to Important Cultural Properties and unregistered tangible cultural properties, including a wooden standing statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, a colored silk painting of Priest Honen, a colored silk painting of Amida Buddha Crossing the Mountains, and the Amida Hall.<\/p>\n 121 Kurodani-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-771-2204<\/p>\n Take City Buses 93 or 204 and get off at \u201cOkazaki-d\u014d\u201d; it\u2019s a 10-minute walk from there.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.kurodani.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-1397\/<\/a><\/p>\n Scenes from the first *Rurouni Kenshin* movie\u2014including the one where Kaoru and Kenshin, both holding wooden swords, meet on the grounds of *Ninna-ji*\u2014as well as a scene from *The Final* where Sanosuke runs through the Maekawa Dojo, were filmed there.<\/p>\n He also appeared in the scene where Aoshi and Sanosuke fought while searching for Kenshin, didn't he?<\/p>\n I don't know the exact location, but I believe it was taken near the wall surrounding the five-story pagoda.<\/p>\n He also appeared in a scene from the Omuro 88 Sacred Sites, where Kenshin was rushing toward the Ikedaya, and Okita S\u014dji tried to stop him.<\/p>\n While the \"Final Chapter\" of *Rurouni Kenshin* features many action scenes, the scenes set in locations like Ninnaji Temple\u2014which appear in the first film\u2014also reveal Kenshin\u2019s feelings and Kaoru\u2019s emotions as she is drawn to him, so they\u2019re definitely worth watching.<\/p>\n \"Ninna-ji Temple\" appears not only in *Rurouni Kenshin* but also in *Detective Conan: The Crossroads in the Labyrinth* and *Ooku*, so if you're on a movie pilgrimage, be sure to stop by.<\/p>\n \"Ninna-ji\" is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect, located in Omuro-\u014cuchi, Uky\u014d Ward, Kyoto City.<\/p>\n Founded in 888 by Emperor Uda, it is now listed as a World Heritage Site under the name \u201cCultural Properties of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto.\u201d<\/p>\n The site features a rare variety of cherry blossom known as the Omuro-zakura, as well as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as a wooden seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Kondo (Main Hall), a wooden statue of Amida Nyorai flanked by his two attendants, and the Ni\u014d-mon Gate.<\/p>\n 33 Omuro-Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-461-1155<\/p>\n Get off at Omuro-Ninnaji Station on the Randen Kitano Line; it's a 3-minute walk from there.<\/p>\n https:\/\/ninnaji.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-888\/<\/a><\/p>\n Ryukoku University\u2019s Omiya Campus appears in the first *Rurouni Kenshin* movie.<\/p>\n This building served as the Ministry of the Army, and it appears in a scene where Aritomo Yamagata delivers a speech.<\/p>\n The gate itself is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and since Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is located right next to it on the southwest side, be sure to visit this sacred pilgrimage site.<\/p>\n Ryukoku University traces its origins to a monastic school founded within the grounds of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple in the 16th year of the Kan'ei era, and the current Omiya Campus is considered its birthplace.<\/p>\n Since it is located north of Kyoto Station, head toward the Karasuma Exit when you arrive at Kyoto Station.<\/p>\n The Omiya Campus is home to the Faculty of Letters, and the Omiya Library on campus houses a vast collection of materials.<\/p>\n The main building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property, so please be sure to stop by.<\/p>\n 125-1 Daiku-cho, Shichijo-dori, Omiya Higashi-iru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-343-3311<\/p>\n About a 10-minute walk from Ume-koji Kyoto-Nishi Station on the JR San'in Main Line<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ryukoku.ac.jp\/about\/campus_traffic\/omiya.html<\/a><\/p>\n The old Budokan appears in *Rurouni Kenshin: The Final Chapter\u2014The Final*.<\/p>\n This scene was filmed at the dojo run by Kaoru and the other instructors, where young police officers are devoting themselves to sword training.<\/p>\n Kenjin Himura also appears in scenes where he is talking with Miyauchi Maekawa, the head instructor of the Maekawa Dojo.<\/p>\n The former Butokuden is a famous site designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and many people visit it as a sacred site of Japanese martial arts.<\/p>\n This facility is part of the Kyoto City Bud\u014d Center, a place with a rich history dating back more than 110 years.<\/p>\n It is also known as the \u201coldest martial arts hall\u201d in Japan and is called the Kyoto City Bud\u014d Center,<\/p>\n \u30fbMain Stadium<\/p>\n \u30fbAuxiliary Stadium<\/p>\n \u30fbFormer Butoku-den<\/p>\n \u30fbArchery Range<\/p>\n \u30fbSumo arena<\/p>\n It is known as a comprehensive martial arts facility equipped with various facilities such as these.<\/p>\n In Meiji 28, Heian Jingu was constructed as part of the 1,100th-anniversary commemorative project marking the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, and it was at that time that a proposal for the construction of the Butoku-den was put forward.<\/p>\n The Butoku-den was then completed on a site northwest of Heian Jingu.<\/p>\n Many people continue to use it to this day.<\/p>\n In Heisei 8, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.<\/p>\n 46-2 Shogoin Endonmi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-751-1255<\/p>\n About a 10-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station on the Keihan Main Line<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.kyoto-kenren.or.jp\/butokuden\/<\/a><\/p>\n \"Kiyomizu-dera,\" which appears in various anime.<\/p>\n Kiyomizu-dera Temple is located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is a famous anime pilgrimage site that also appears in *Rurouni Kenshin*.<\/p>\n Kiyomizu-dera appears in the opening scene, where Kaoru Kamiya gazes at the temple.<\/p>\n Kiyomizu-dera is the head temple of the Hokuh\u014ds\u014d sect, located in Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.<\/p>\n Its official name is Otowa-yama Kiyomizu-dera, and it was founded in the 9th year of the H\u014dki era.<\/p>\n The stage area of the main hall is a staggering 13 meters high, and its appearance is truly breathtaking.<\/p>\n You can also see Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures such as the Main Hall, the Three-Story Pagoda, the Ni\u014d Gate, and the Amida Hall.<\/p>\n 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-551-1234<\/p>\n About a 10-minute walk from the \"Gojozaka\" bus stop on the Kyoto Bus line<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.kiyomizudera.or.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/post-1811\/<\/a><\/p>\n My\u014dshin-ji Temple is also famous as a sacred site for *Rurouni Kenshin*.<\/p>\n Here, the scene from the film\u2019s opening showing the journey to the Tsushima Domain residence appears.<\/p>\n It was filmed during a scene where a one-armed samurai is running.<\/p>\n My\u014dshin-ji, the head temple of the My\u014dshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, has as many as 3,400 temples nationwide.<\/p>\n This temple was founded in 1337 when Emperor Hanazono invited Sekizan Egen to serve as its founding abbot.<\/p>\n You can see many Important Cultural Properties here, including Kano Tanyu\u2019s \u201cCloud and Dragon\u201d painting, Japan\u2019s oldest Buddhist temple bell, and the Akechi Bathhouse.<\/p>\n In addition, the temple grounds, which cover approximately 100,000 tsubo, are home to seven main halls and 46 sub-temples.<\/p>\n 1 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City<\/p>\n 075-461-5226<\/p>\n About 5 minutes walk from Hanazono Station on JR Sagano Line<\/p>\nRelated Articles<\/h3>\n
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