Gold as good as red

For much of the year, Renge-ji, a small temple in the north of Kyoto, is quiet - a good place to think while enjoying views of an Edo-period garden.

In autumn though, the place is flooded with visitors. Here's why.

To get there, take the Yase Hieizanguchi-bound train on the Eizan line and get off at Miyake Hachiman station. Cross the river and turn right. The walk to Renge-ji takes about 10 minutes.

On the way there, I thought about asking a girl pushing a bike beside me for directions. Before I could, I heard her asking someone else for directions.

A narrow gravel path leading off the main road will take you to the temple. The leaves were bursting out over the walls.

Renge-ji is probably best known for its garden views, which fill two walls of the main hall.

But there was much to see elsewhere.

Not all the maple leaves had turned red. Some were still gold.

Others had darkened to orange.

One last look up before leaving.