This part of the Oto River is lined with these steps. They make for a good place to rest and enjoy the weather on nice days. Here, late in the autumn, the leaves were enjoying resting on them.
I think in most countries that experience all four seasons, spring and autumn are usually held as the best of the seasons, both for the pleasant temperature and for the beauty, whether that be new flowers in spring or colored leaves in autumn.
Japan is no different in this regard. To the Japanese, autumn and spring are the absolute best seasons, and there is always some debate amongst people as to which of the two is best. I think you find two types of people: Those who completely enjoy whichever season they are in and think it best, and those who look wistfully on the opposite season to the one they are in, and to them that is best (Ah, this is beautiful, but those sakura in spring... I can't wait).
The two things that best represent these two seasons in the Japanese mind are the Cherry Blossom in spring and the Japanese Maple in autumn. As to autumn, there are many beautiful colored leaves, and the brilliant golden ginkgo is also held in high regard, but nothing can compare in the minds of the Japanese with the Japanese Maple which turns a deep and beautiful red.
They are planted everywhere and are nearly as common as the cherry blossom trees and so they are impossible to miss in autumn when there is red everywhere.
I'm not sure what the yellow leaves are in this photo, but the red ones are Japanese Maples, of course.
Don't miss the other great photos in the Beautiful Japan photo series!
#1 - The Shogun's Keep
#2 - Gate to the Shogun's Shrine
#3 - The Golden Torii
#4 - Across the Universe
#5 - To Walk With You Under the Cherry Blossoms
#6 - I Once Knew This Place
#7 - Okazaki Tenmangu Shrine
#8 - The White Walls of Zui'nenji
#9 - Curious Kitsune Watches
#10 - Meeting Place of the Kitsune
#11 - What a Blur
#12 - The Watcher at the Shrine
#13 - Giant Torii in Road
Thank you for reading. :)
If you enjoyed this post, please like and resteem. Also be sure to follow me to see more from Japan everyday.
I post one photo everyday, as well as some misc posts such as haiku, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.
David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time.