The Attic

© Epoch

Oigawa railway in autumn

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued November 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 2542 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E75026 (75-026 on package)
Retail price ¥3500

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© Epoch

Kōmyō-ji maples

The main entrance to this temple is a famous spot for autumn colours. ("Fall colors" if you like: Japan is blessed with many of the red maples that remind me more of scenes of New England than of the older England I come from.) The first temple on this site is said to have been founded in 1198, but the current building dates from around 1750.

What does the name mean?

light

bright

temple

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued 2016
An Epoch puzzle: 2542 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E75509 (75-509 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© Epoch

Philosopher's walk, Kyoto

This famous path in Kyoto is named after the philosopher Kitaro Nishida who would meditate while strolling along it. The waterway is lined by cherry trees, which provide not only a display of blossom in the spring but also a rich pattern of reds and yellows in the autumn.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23518 (23-518 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Minowa Masashi

Kenrokuen in autumn

The first brilliant red maples fringe the lake in this very famous garden, which dates back to the 17th century; in the foreground we see the distinctive arch-based stone lantern that is its symbol.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23541 (23-541 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Kataoka Iwao

Kômyôji, Kyoto

The main entrance to this temple is a famous spot for autumn colours. ("Fall colors" if you like: Japan is blessed with many of the red maples that remind me more of scenes of New England than of the older England I come from.) The first temple on this site is said to have been founded in 1198, but the current building dates from around 1750.

What does the name mean?

light

bright

temple

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23542 (23-542 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Autumn in Shirakawa-go

Late autumn, and ripening persimmons against a varied background of reds, yellows, and evergreens. These gasshōzukuri houses, named after a supposed resemblance between the roof and hands at prayer, were built to house extended families of up to forty people.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23557 (23-557 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Sanzen-in autumn

Like many other of the famous temples of Kyoto, Sanzen-in is not an extrovery showpiece, rather a contemplative haven in beautiful natural surroundings.

The surrounding trees break up the view of the temple building, and the result is a puzzle full of textural variation. An excellent choice for 2016 small pieces...

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23558 (23-558 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Ryuzu falls

These falls (near Nikko, in Tochigi) descend 60 metres in a gently inclined torrent extending for 200 metres. The name is derived from the appearance of the huge rock separating the two streams at the lower end of the falls, which is said to resemble the head of a dragon.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23571 (23-571 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Kiyomizudera night maples

This very famous Kyoto temple is trestled out from the side of the hill overlooking Kyoto. The original temple is said to have been founded more than 1200 years ago, but most of the present structure dates from the 1600s.

This night view, with its rich dark textures, makes a puzzle that will present quite a challenge.

What does the name mean?

pure

water

temple

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23572 (23-572 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Ueda castle gardens

Gorgeous autumn foliage in this park, which surrounds the remains of Ueda castle.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued February 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23595 (23-595 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Unganji

Autumnal foliage surrounds the entrance to this temple in the wilds of northern Tochigi. It is famous as the first temple visited by Bashô (the "Wordsworth of Japan") on his travels around northern Japan.

Another of Bashô's temples: Yamadera

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A Yanoman puzzle: 2014 pieces; 1070 x 770 mm (42" x 30")
Code: Y20164 (20-164 on package)
Retail price ¥4200

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© Yanoman

Sagano teahouse

This traditional teahouse is in Sagano, an old suburb of Kyoto. We look down through the glorious red maples, and glimpse guests enjoying refreshment.

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A Yanoman puzzle: 2014 pieces; 1070 x 770 mm (42" x 30")
Code: Y20179 (20-179 on package)
Retail price ¥4200

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© Epoch

Ginkgo avenue in Tokyo

Sunbeams filter through the bright yellow leaves of the ginkgo, a popular tree for city planting, and often to be seen in Tokyo.

See my "Plant Watcher's" page on the ginkgo.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1500 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E15515 (15-515 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Konpuku-ji (Mizuno)

This ancient temple fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1684-88. We see here not the main temple, but Bashô-an, a simple building for contemplation or whatever, which is just one of the many places visited by the famous travelling poet Basho (1644-1694). His peregrinations around Japan and poems in praise of the wonders of nature make him a sort of Japanese predecessor to Wordsworth.

What does the name mean?

gold

fortune

temple

Ba-

sho's

retreat

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

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An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10348 (1000-348 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Ryôan-ji (Mizuno)

Autumn leaves form a canopy over the paved approach to Ryôanji, the temple founded in 1450 which is the home of the famous raked pebble garden.

What does the name mean?

dragon

repose

temple

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10349 (1000-349 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Beverly

Kyoto temple view

A spectacular mass of autumn foliage seen from within Rurikō-in, one of the many temples of Kyoto.

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Discontinued March 2022
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 720 x 490 mm (28" x 19")
Code: B51246 (51-246 on package)
Retail price ¥2800

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© Beverly Enterprises

Hida-no-sato

Nestling among a riot of autumn tints, these gasshô-zukuri houses form an outdoor museum - Hida-no-sato ("the village of Hida"), on the outskirts of Takayama, preserving a rural scene once common in this region. The name gasshô-zukuri refers to the Buddhist prayer pose, with the fingertips together; basically it means a large-scale roof with timbers forming an inverted V.

Randy Johnson's travel notes on Hida
Note the susuki grass fringing the pond in the foreground: Plant-Watcher's page

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Code: B71287 (71-287 on package)
Retail price ¥2600

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© Beverly Enterprises

Yamadera

These temple buildings clinging amazingly to the side of a rocky mountain inspired the poet Basho ("the Wordsworth of Japan"; 1644-1694) to another famous haiku - "The silence of the rock and the singing of the cicada". This site in Yamagata Prefecture, in the north of Japan, is best known as Yamadera, though the title on the box gives the temple its official name: "Risshaku-ji."

What does the name mean?

mountain

temple

standing

stone

temple

Interesting page on Yamadera

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Code: B71290 (71-290 on package)
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© Beverly Enterprises

Gansenji in autumn

This brilliantly painted pagoda is outdone (just!) by the dazzling red and yellow foliage of its surroundings.

This puzzle has TINY pieces!

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Code: BS71813 (S71-813 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Epoch

Shirakawa - late autumn

Late autumn, and ripening persimmons: another of the gasshôzukuri houses, named after a supposed resemblance between the roof and hands at prayer. These were built to house extended families of up to forty people.

Randy Johnson's travel notes on Shirakawa-go

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10500 (10-500S on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Jissou-in pebble garden

One of the temples of Kyoto, Jissô-in was founded in 1299. Though less well known than the famous pebble garden at Ryôan-ji, its "dry" garden is perhaps easier to understand - the central stone is a carving of Buddha, and the surrounding eight rocks represent the eight disciples listening to their leader's teachings. All this set off by the gorgeous red maples.

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An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10643 (10-643S on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Arashiyama

"Moon-crossing-bridge" is the literal name of this famous bridge (Togetsukyō) across the Ōi River on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama is the name of the area, and of the tree-clad mountain beyond the river.

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Code: E10715 (10-715 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Manshu-in

Founded in the 8th century, this Kyoto temple is particularly well-known for its splendid garden.

This will be an interesting puzzle, with plenty of colour and texture variation...

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An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10724 (10-724 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© JTB Photo

Sagano teahouse

This traditional teahouse is in Sagano, an old suburb of Kyoto.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10726 (10-726 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Michio Yamauchi

Ginkgo avenue in Tokyo

Brilliant gold! The ginkgo is a popular tree for city planting, and is seen to advantage here in Tokyo. Another puzzle for those who like a challenge.

See my "Plant Watcher's" page on the ginkgo.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10734 (10-734 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Kouichi Sudou

Bishamon-dô

Steps strewn with brilliant fallen maple leaves form the approach to the Hall of Bishamon, part of the Jingo-ji complex in Kyoto. Although almost all of the picture is foliage, this framework will make the puzzle a pleasure to do.

Wikipedia articles on the Jingo-ji temple site; and Vaiśravaṇa, the original Bishamon

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An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10735 (10-735 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Epoch

Yahiko Park maples

Maples in the foreground leave tantalising glimpses of the traditional bridge, a feature of this park near Niigata.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued September 2018
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10748 (10-748 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Fumihiko Murakami/amana images

Kômyôji, Kyoto

The main entrance to this temple is a famous spot for autumn colours. ("Fall colors" if you like: Japan is blessed with many of the red maples that remind me more of scenes of New England than of the older England I come from.) The first temple on this site is said to have been founded in 1198, but the current building dates from around 1750.

What does the name mean?

light

bright

temple

Permanently unavailable
A Road puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: RS13256 (RS-13-256 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Ginkgo avenue

Brilliant gold! The ginkgo is a popular tree for city planting, and is seen to advantage here in Tokyo. Another puzzle for those who like a challenge.

See my "Plant Watcher's" page on the ginkgo.

Permanently unavailable
A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y101011 (10-1011 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Fuji from Kiyosato

A distant view of Mt. Fuji, from the mountains to the north. Much of Japan is still unspoilt wilderness, and this puzzle includes a huge swathe of mixed forest, in gorgeous autumn hues. A classic Yanoman scenic puzzle, this should be challenging yet not tedious.

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A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y101083 (10-1083 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Tenryûji garden

In the famous garden of this Kyoto temple, which was originally established in 1339, splashes of red and yellow foliage contrast with the vivid green moss that carpets the ground and encrusts the rocks.

What does the name mean?

heaven

dragon

temple

Permanently unavailable
A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y10861 (10-861 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Autumn pond, Karuizawa

Vivid autumn tints are reflected in this little pond. Getting to Karuizawa means a very steep climb of almost 1000 metres just off the edge of the Kanto Plain, but this has made it a highly popular traditional resort for escaping the heat of Tokyo summer.

English guide to Karuizawa

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Code: Y10862 (10-862 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Kintaikyo bridge (maples)

This bridge is a landmark of western Japan, with both red maples and cherry trees planted alongside, for gorgeous pictures in all seasons. We are told that the name Kintaikyo - or "Brocade sash bridge" - is derived from a resemblance to a kimono sash (see the Japan Information Network link below). This is pretty unconvincing, until you realise that the river under the bridge is Nishikigawa: this Nishiki is the Japanese reading for "brocade", written with the same Chinese character as the Kin in Kintai.

The bridge consists of five wooden arches: at the time it was originally built (1673), wheeled transport was almost unknown in Japan, so presumably it was not worthwhile going to the extra effort of providing a level roadway. It seems unlikely that this design would have been used in Europe at that time.

Matsumoto-san's excellent photographs of the bridge
Hokusai's painting (Interesting to see his perception of the stone pillars: compare my essay on walls. And for more than you ever needed to know about bridges, read J. E. Gordon.)

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A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y10916 (10-916 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Yanoman

Jôjakkô-ji

This view features both the spectacular autumn colours for which Japan is justly famed, and the Buddhist temples and their gardens for which Kyoto (the imperial capital until 1868) is known. The name of this temple refers to Buddhist "paradise"; it was originally established in 1596.

What does the name mean?

ever- lasting

sweet- ness

light

temple

Permanently unavailable
A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y10925 (10-925 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

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© Takeuchi Toshinobu

Dazzling maples (Takeuchi)

Fukushima in northern Japan again (but we're not given a precise location, so the map is a guess). The tints of autumn foliage are truly stunning, thanks to the abundance of mixed forest.

The photographer, Takeuchi Toshinobu, born in 1943, is well-known as a nature photographer, and teacher. (Takeuchi is his family name.)

Technical details: Pentax 645N2, 80-160mm zoom, f/16 AE; Fujichrome Velvia; polarising filter; tripod

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A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y10997 (10-997 on package)
Retail price ¥2800

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© Apollo

Philosopher's walk

This famous path in Kyoto is named after the philosopher Kitaro Nishida who would meditate while strolling along it. The waterway is lined by cherry trees, which provide not only a display of blossom in the spring but also a rich pattern of reds and yellows in the autumn.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued March 2018
An Apollo puzzle: 600 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: P47204 (47-204 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Epoch

Tsutanuma, autumn tints

A gorgeous autumn scene of dawn lighting up the forest. Although only 500 pieces, this will make a nice challenge, since almost all the pieces are various shades of red.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued July 2017
An Epoch puzzle: 500 pieces; 530 x 380 mm (21" x 15")
Code: E05089 (05-089 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

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© Epoch

Ginkgo avenue in Tokyo

Sunbeams filter through the bright yellow leaves of the ginkgo, a popular tree for city planting, and often to be seen in Tokyo.

See my "Plant Watcher's" page on the ginkgo.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued January 2022
An Epoch puzzle: 450 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: E08549 (08-549 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

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© Apollo

Ryuzu falls

These falls (near Nikko, in Tochigi) descend 60 metres in a gently inclined torrent extending for 200 metres. The name is derived from the appearance of the huge rock separating the two streams at the lower end of the falls, which is said to resemble the head of a dragon.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued May 2023
An Apollo puzzle: 450 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: P46209 (46-209 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

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© Beverly

Kurobe autumn colours

The Kurobe Gorge cuts deep into the Japan Alps, and up this valley wends this light railway, built to supply hydroelectric developments, but also carrying tourists to provide spectacular views.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued February 2018
A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B33105 (33-105 on package)
Retail price ¥1500

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© Beverly Enterprises

Mt. Fuji with maples

Brilliant red maples - and Mt Fuji seen across Kawaguchi lake, to the north.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

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A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B73147 (73-147 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

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