春夏秋冬

Haru, natsu, aki, fuyu.  Spring, summer, autumn, winter.

In Japan, the seasons are all so distinct.  Well, what I really mean to say is that they are more equal, I guess.  Where I am from, winter monopolizes most of the year.  Spring is cool.  Summer is short.  Autumn is shorter. 

Despite its brevity, autumn is my favorite.  Of all the seasons, it appeals the most to my senses: the spiced cider, the pumpkin pie, the crisp air and bright leaves.  What’s not to love?

Experiencing autumn in Japan has been familiar…but different. The season itself lasts longer, which I love. 

The leaves are just beginning to change now and it will last at least another month.  

The temperature is perfect.  

The apples, pears, persimmons and figs are in season.

Rice is being harvested.

Winter vegetables are being planted.  

Prickly chestnuts are falling from their trees.

Apple cider.

Pumpkins.

  

Bring on the cool weather.  I am ready for こたつ (kotatsu) and onsen!

flowers

One of the things I love about living in Japan is just how drastically different it is from northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Living here has been a fantastic learning experience.

There are so many things that are different.  One of the most evident is the difference in seasons.  Japan has four completely distinct seasons: a blazing hot summer, a beautiful cool autumn, a mildly cold winter, and a pleasantly warm spring. 

Minnesota and Wisconsin have two “real” seasons: Definitely cold, and possibly cold.   Spring doesn’t really start until late April when all the snow is finally gone.  Autumn is beautiful, but is always too short. Winter is long.  Summer is short.

Because of the vast climate difference, there is also a tremendous difference in the growing seasons.   In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the growing season is all too short.  In Saitama Japan, it is year round.  The crops changes of course, but something is always growing in the gardens.

What also amazes me are the flowers.  There is always some type of flower blooming like crazy.  Even in the dead of winter.  

 Gorgeous.