Notes from Gifu

Japan definitely values its four seasons. Its summers are hot and humid and its winters are frigid, but its spring and autumn make up for it. In the spring, there are the Cherry blossoms. In the autumn, there are the changing colors, as the leaves turn from green to shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Seeing the changing colors is serious business, as thousands flood famous viewing places, like Arashiyama (my favorite. Located a short train ride from Kyoto, it has been a favorite autumn color viewing designation for centuries. The problem is timing; it is best seen at the height of the change.

Locally, we noticed the first change of colors today. First, we noticed a single red tree on Mt. Kinka, sticking out among a field of green. Later, I noticed some trees near a local school. Soon it will be time to go to Arashiyama. See you there.