Photographer Teju Khubchandani is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this photo essay. From the project ‘Kyoto Fall Foliage’. To see Teju ’s body of work, click on any photograph.

The Crimson Canopy — Vibrant red maple (momiji) leaves framing the wooden architecture and stepping stone pathway of a traditional Zen sub-temple. (Kyoto, Japan)

Path to the Inner Sanctuary — A stepping stone pathway carpeted with fallen red maple leaves leading toward an ornate, traditional temple gate. (Kyoto, Japan)

Stone Lantern and Zen Garden — A traditional carved stone lantern (toro) casting long afternoon shadows across a manicured temple courtyard. (Kyoto, Japan)

Tunnel of Autumn Fire — A secluded gravel pathway canopy-covered by brilliant orange and red maple trees at peak foliage. (Kyoto, Japan)

Autumn in Kyoto is not merely a seasonal shift; it is a profound transformation where the ancient imperial capital is steeped in rich crimson, fiery orange, and luminous gold. This series captures the fleeting yet intense beauty of the koyo(autumn leaves) season, framing Kyoto’s historic architecture and meticulously sculpted gardens against a vibrant natural tapestry. From the iconic five-story pagoda of To-ji illuminated against a deep sapphire dusk to the tranquil, fallen-leaf carpeted pathways of secluded Zen temples, these photographs explore the Japanese aesthetic of mono no aware—a deep, empathetic appreciation for the impermanence of things. Through intentional composition, bracketed exposures, and a focus on both grand architectural vistas and intimate garden pathways, this project invites the viewer to step into the timeless, meditative stillness of Kyoto in the fall.

Pagoda Framed by Maple — The historic To-ji pagoda towering behind a blazing, sunlit autumn maple tree in full seasonal color. (Kyoto, Japan)

Autumn Illuminations at To-ji — The five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple reflected in the surrounding garden pond during the evening autumn light-up. (Kyoto, Japan)

View from the Engawa — Looking out over a traditional wooden temple veranda (engawa) into a lush valley of illuminated autumn maples. (Kyoto, Japan)

The Rainy Zen Garden — A tranquil moss garden and stone water feature viewed from under the protective eaves of a temple pavilion. (Kyoto, Japan)

The Temple Water Basin — A classic wooden wash pavilion (chozuya) and stone water basin surrounded by deep red autumn foliage and blooming camellias. (Kyoto, Japan)

Teju Khubchandani is a Silicon Valley professional, a former Apple & Google employee, and a passionate fine art and street photographer based in San Jose, California. Bridging a technical career in technology and silicon engineering with deep visual artistry, Teju’s photography focuses on capturing the subtle interplay of light, architectural grandeur, and natural landscapes. Whether shooting on the streets of Japan or exploring intricate landscape scenes, his work emphasizes rich tonal fidelity, dynamic atmospheric compositions, and immersive storytelling. When he is not behind the lens, he actively engages in scale model building and taping out complex silicon for the computer industry.

All images and text © Teju Khubchandani