Its Officially Fall in Japan

It was a hot hot summer here, but, right on cue with the Autumn Equinox (one of those random off days from work!), it is now fall (aki).

This week the weather completely changed over to that awesome cool sunny fall weather (akibare). There is a hint of color in the leaves on the trees, and it is safe to wear long-sleeved outerwear and jeans again! Woo hoo!

Many say that autumn is the nicest season here. Spring cherry blossom viewing's fall counterpart is called kouyou (fall foliage), and is focused on the many brilliant red maple (momiji) trees. (If we can squeeze it in, a trip back to Miyajima and its Momijidani Park might be in order.)