Sayonara, Autumn leaves

Nothing lasts forever. Now is the time to say Good-Bye, Sayonara to autumn leaves. I enjoyed not only the countless hues of autumn colours on the trees but also myriad of autumn colours of carpets of fallen leaves.

In autumn the maple front comes down from north to south while in spring the cherry blossom front goes up from south to north. 

But autumn of this year was unusual because of the recorded high temperatures. The sharp coldness  and the temperature difference between day and night are needed for the trees to create brilliant autumn colours.  Many people sighed saying " Too slow and blurry."

When authentic coldness came at last,  many of the trees  seemed to be  bewildered  whether they would turn autumn colours or fall leaves down.

Some of them are  hanging on the trees and others are on the ground.  Regardless whether autumn leaves are brilliant or blurry, whether they are on trees or the grounds,  I enjoy them with deep thanks to the nature.

 The fallen leaves on the bottom of a shallow river.

Migrating wild geese are resting their wings here. The scenery looks like glowing crimson. 

 Ginkgo leaves on a stone basin, this world is small. But while gazing at them,

I feel it represents something more.

 Thanks, autumn leaves, see you again!

I am going to Osaka to stay with my mother for a while because of her health problem and will not be able to use PC probably. When I come back, I'll catch up .

Reflection, Center of Ancient Japan

 A gentle sunset reflects on the rails of the ancient Imperial Audience Hall.
 Once upon a time Nara had been  the capital of Japan for a short period、from 710 to 784. Imperial Audience Hall was the center of the capital. Here the emperors reigned over Japan. The hall  was rebuilt in 2010.

The Capital was called "Heijo-kyo" whose Palace Site is designated as World Heritage Site. This place is my favorite and  especially I love viewing a sunset from here.

          

Why are Christmas decorations everywhere?

Here are Christmas illuminations in front of a church on the Higashimuki Street near Kintetsu Nara Station. Many people stop and take pictures.      

This time of year, Japan is filled with red and green decorations, and stores play Jingle Bells. Even such a small alley is decorated with modest Christmas lights.

Only one percent of Japanese population is Christian. Why are Christmas decorations everywhere?

Maybe Japanese people put a lot of emphasis on the seasons and feel the aesthetic beauty of the seasonal changes. In the old Japanese calendar, besides 4 seasons, there are even 24 seasonal divisions in a year. Now Christmas is becoming 25th seasonal division for us.

Or just are we Christmas Christian・・・・・？

Deep autumn is here・・・・

Autumn is the best and most gorgeous season a year. Autumn leaves have turned their color to red, orange , yellow・・・. In the morning and the evening, it is getting chilly but during the day time it's very comfortable to walk around Nara Park.

By the way, have you heard deer mewling ? Autumn is the mating season and deer are mewling each other. Tourist are surprised to hear the deer crying very loudly sometimes. The deer in Nara Park fit in with the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves, don't you think so?

The center of the park is full of people as two major exhibitions are held , one is Shosoin-in Exhibition held in Nara National Museun and the other one is Ashura Statue back in the Temple Exhibition in Kofukuji Temple. There are a lot of people waiting in a long line.

But look at here Tobihino Field, there is nobody, you can enjoy this scenery by your self, here these scenes are yours. These trees are Chinese Tallow Trees(南京はぜ） whose leaves have turned the color beautifully .