Benny’s Japan Insider Vol. 13 | 2026 Miyazaki Free Art Exhibition, BEAMS BOY Licca, Kurama Fire Festival, and Kurobe Booking Guide
Hello everyone, I’m Benny! When travelling to Japan in autumn and winter, besides chasing red leaves, I also love finding new programs that allow me to take my time and explore at a leisurely pace. In this issue of "Benny's Japan Insight" Vol.13, I’ve compiled 5 pieces of Japanese travel news for 2026: free Picasso and Magritte exhibitions in Miyazaki, Licca dressed by BEAMS BOY, the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto, a BLOFFFu pop-up store in Shibuya, and the additional operations of the Kurobe Gorge Railway in December. This time, I not only want to introduce where to go, but also help you note down the details most easily overlooked: how to distinguish between dolls and gashapons, how to return from the Fire Festival, and when exactly you can book tickets for Kurobe.
Benny's Travel Accessory Recommendations｜Organize your essentials first, then stroll and explore at your leisure
Information compiled: October 17, 2026. Unless otherwise specified as Hong Kong time, all event and business hours below are in Japan Standard Time, and prices are in Japanese Yen. Events, transport, product supply, and operations may be subject to change; please verify official announcements in the articles before departing or purchasing.
Japan Autumn/Winter Independent Travel Quick Look: 5 things to note
- Free collection exhibition in Miyazaki: October 10 to December 22, Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum presents 125 works, including those by Picasso and Magritte.
- BEAMS BOY Licca: Doll sets on sale November 6; mini-accessory gashapons arrive at three stores on the same day, with a nationwide release expected in December.
- Kyoto Kurama Fire Festival: Starts October 22 at 18:00. Last train from Kurama to Demachiyanagi is at 23:24; pay attention to crowd control and boarding arrangements.
- Shibuya BLOFFFu pop-up store: October 16 to November 1, MIYASHITA PARK North 2F.
- Kurobe Gorge Railway additional service: December 1 to 6, operating only between Unazuki and Sasadaira; telephone bookings open October 20 at 08:00 HK time.
1. Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum Free Masterpiece Exhibition: Featuring Picasso and Magritte
Pictured is a detail of Magritte's "The Blank Signature". Source: Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum; not a photo of the photo-op zone.
If you are heading to Miyazaki this autumn or winter, I suggest setting aside time for the Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum. The current collection exhibition runs from October 10 to December 22, 2026, with free admission, showcasing 125 works including those by Picasso and Magritte. To me, being able to appreciate famous paintings without an entry fee makes this a stop worth including in your itinerary.
In addition to viewing the works, there is a photo zone where you can "step into the painting" and technique workshops. I treat this as a cultural excursion where I can slow down, rather than just snapping a photo and leaving. Remember that the exhibition posters and the experience zone are separate; the accompanying image here is not a live shot of the experience zone.
Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. Generally closed on Mondays, but open on November 23; also closed on November 4 and 24. I always check the closing days before arranging transport to avoid a wasted trip.
Miyazaki Prefectural official exhibition announcement｜Exhibition and guided tour details｜Official museum transport info
2. BEAMS BOY Licca: Distinguish between the 19,800 Yen doll and the 400 Yen gashapon
Official BEAMS product image, ©TOMY. Doll sets and mini-accessory gashapons are sold separately.
For fans of Licca and Japanese-style outfits, keep an eye on the BEAMS BOY collaboration. I want to remind you to distinguish between the two lines: the doll set on one side, and the mini-accessory gashapons on the other. Prices and release arrangements are different, so don't assume the "400 Yen" price tag includes the whole doll.
The doll set is priced at 19,800 Yen (tax included), with pre-orders starting October 16 and sales beginning November 6. As for the mini-accessory gashapons, they are 400 Yen (tax included) per spin, featuring 5 varieties, and are sold separately.
The gashapons arrive at three stores on November 6: BEAMS BOY Harajuku, BEAMS NEWS, and BEAMS STREET Umeda, with a nationwide release expected in December. If you are in Harajuku or Osaka in November, note this timing difference. I won't assume availability is guaranteed, as stock levels and pre-order deadlines aren't fully confirmed—check official updates before making a special trip.
View official BEAMS doll, gashapon, and release details
3. Kyoto Kurama Fire Festival 2026: The festival runs past midnight, but the last train is at 23:24
Yuki Shrine archival photo; returning transport should be based on the latest Eizan Railway announcements.
The Kurama Fire Festival is fascinating, but if I had to prepare for one thing, I’d say: it’s not the photo spot, it’s the return trip. The festival starting at 18:00 on October 22, 2026, will continue past midnight, but the last train from Kurama to Demachiyanagi departs at 23:24. Just because the festival hasn't ended doesn't mean there will be a train waiting for you.
More importantly, crowd controls may be in place, and queuing does not guarantee a seat on the train; services for festival-goers may even be suspended. I don't recommend assuming "arriving at the station before the last train" is a guarantee of returning to the city. Read the Eizan Railway's special timetables and travel restrictions carefully before departing, and leave room for an early exit. If the situation on the ground isn't ideal, don't force your way in.
Also, don't think driving will solve it: parking lots are closed on the day, and road restrictions apply to general vehicles from 15:00. Treat traffic restrictions as part of your itinerary conditions, not a minor detail to figure out later.
Eizan Railway 2026 fire festival special timetable and restrictions｜Kyoto City official festival and transport info
4. Shibuya BLOFFFu Pop-up: Where to find 36 characters and 59 products?
Store photo, source: SEGA FAVE official materials. Kyary collaboration release date has not been announced.
I'm adding a stop at BLOFFFu in Shibuya. Its signature style is plush doll heads paired with hard, small bodies, with 36 characters and 59 products featured this time. If you’re looking for something fresh in Japanese toys or enjoy different character designs, check if this is your cup of tea.
The pop-up runs from October 16 to November 1, 2026, at MIYASHITA PARK North 2F THE［ ］STORE, open from 11:00 to 21:00. Fitting this into your Shibuya shopping day is easier than dedicating an entire day to it.
Regarding prices, regular character BIT/MOD/DEKA figures are 2,420/3,980/8,980 Yen respectively; original characters are 2,280/3,640 Yen (all tax included). Know the series and specs before choosing, as prices vary.
As for the Kyary collaboration, the release date hasn't been announced yet. Just because the pop-up store is open doesn't mean those items are available; if you are going specifically for them, I suggest waiting for official news.
SEGA FAVE official merchandise and pop-up announcement｜BLOFFFu official website
5. Kurobe Gorge Railway 6-day December extension: Only to Sasadaira, telephone bookings open October 20
Kurobe Gorge Railway official autumn leaves reference image; does not represent December conditions.
If you're heading to Toyama in early December, note the Kurobe Gorge Railway's additional schedule. Service from December 1 to 6, 2026, only runs between Unazuki and Sasadaira. Don't interpret "extended operation" as full-line availability. If you intended to reach further stations, this won't cover it.
Round-trip adult fare is 2,260 Yen, children 1,440 Yen, including the Relax car fee. The most important thing to note is the booking time: October 20 at 09:00 Japan time (08:00 HK time), via telephone only.
The official booking number is 0765-62-1011 (from outside Japan: +81-765-62-1011), available from 09:00 to 16:00 Japan time. Same-day tickets are not guaranteed, so I would secure the booking before arranging other travel plans.
Weather may also force operational changes. Especially since the image here uses autumn leaf photos, I want to emphasize: that is not a live shot of December, so don't expect the same autumn colors.
Kurobe Gorge Railway official extended operation and booking announcement｜Official seasonal photo gallery
Japan Insight Vol.13 FAQ
Is the Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum exhibition free?
Yes, the current exhibition is free, showcasing 125 works from October 10 to December 22, 2026. Hours are 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. Check closing days before heading out.
Does the 400 Yen BEAMS BOY gashapon include a Licca doll?
No. The Licca doll set is 19,800 Yen (tax included); mini-accessory gashapons are sold separately for 400 Yen (tax included) each, with 5 types. Gashapons arrive at three stores on November 6, with nationwide release expected in December.
Can I catch the last train after watching the Kurama Fire Festival?
I wouldn't count on it. The festival continues past midnight, but the last train to Demachiyanagi is at 23:24. Crowds may be restricted, and boarding isn't guaranteed. You must plan your return according to railway announcements and on-site instructions.
When does the Shibuya BLOFFFu pop-up end? Can I buy the Kyary collaboration?
The pop-up runs until November 1, 2026, at MIYASHITA PARK North 2F. The Kyary collaboration release date is not yet announced; don't assume they are available in-store.
Can I book Kurobe Gorge Railway December tickets online?
The December 1–6 extension is telephone-booking only, starting October 20 at 09:00 Japan time (08:00 HK time). Service is limited to Unazuki–Sasadaira round trips, and same-day tickets are not guaranteed.
Benny’s final reminder: To travel with ease, note the restrictions
What I want you to take away from this issue isn't just five new spots, but the details that directly impact your trip: check Miyazaki's closing days, distinguish Licca dolls from gashapons, calculate your return from Kurama early, wait for official news on the BLOFFFu collaboration, and mark the Kurobe telephone booking time. These are travel inspirations scattered across different regions—choose based on your route, and don't rush just to hit them all.
Save this issue of "Japan Insight," or forward it to your travel companions to coordinate your schedule. To keep receiving new Japan travel news, follow my Instagram: @benny.lee.jp. See you next issue!
