It is the first day of December and peak-season for watching the changing of the colours, so I decided to head out to Koishikawa Kokurakuen. This park is located in central Tokyo, in between tall buildings and overshadowed by Tokyo dome. But despite its central location and being besieged by the modern city, it has kept its original traditional feel.

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Tags: autumn colours, nature, garden

Japanese are very contemplative and have a sense of appreciation of nature and seasons. In Autumn the trees turn red and yellow and seem to be even more colourful here than they would be elsewhere. The countryside puts on a radiant coat and thousands of people flock to the parks and the country to see the spectacle. Scenes from the Kitano film “Dolls” with its rich colours arejust around corner.
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Tags: autumn colours, nature

This sunday, I am on my way to a typical day in nature for the Tokyoite. Japan being very densely populated and Tokyo even more so, a trip to the big outdoors can be a real relief from the busy city. However, be aware, as I wasn’t, that Takao-san (jg, wp), or Mount Takao, is not exactly the secluded little mountaintop in the country somewhere. Being only an hour away from Tokyo by train, it is very popular, especially when the sun is out.full story ...

Tags: takao, mountain, daytrip, nature