Tourists flock to Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto during the cherry blossom-viewing days of spring, but equally stunning are the sights of brilliantly colored autumn leaves amidst ancient structures that have remained undisturbed for hundreds of years.
One particular temple, Rurikoin, stands on the edge of the city and is a paradise for photographers during the autumn months, as well as visitors who didn’t even know they had an artistic side yet spend hours playing with different lighting effects there. While Rurikoin is not always open for general admission from year to year, we’re in luck because this year the building will indeed open its doors for the span of one short month.

Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Canadian corporation withdraws bid to acquire 7-Eleven Japan and its parent company
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
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Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
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7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Canadian corporation withdraws bid to acquire 7-Eleven Japan and its parent company
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
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Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Yakuza vending machines coming to real-world Tokyo neighborhood that inspired Like a Dragon games
Pikachu-ear engagement rings and Pokémon wedding rings for him and her can now be yours【Photos】
Less than one in four surveyed Japanese men has a girlfriend, over one in three women has a beau
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
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You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Shikadamari: The Nara deer summer gathering phenomenon that baffles visitors every year