Different seasons create different moods, so that places that we actually know quite well always seem to welcome us in a completely different way. Everyone probably has a different time of year in mind that they like best and feel most comfortable in.
In principle, I can't decide when my own favorite season is. I actually like them all, spring and summer and fall and winter all have their own charm and can each impress and score points in their own way.
In recent years, however, I have come to appreciate fall even more. Here in Japan, this late season often really stands out and manages to inspire people with a firework display of colors. Sometimes you can see it glowing outside in the forests and parks well into December - red, yellow and orange and always a whole lot of green too, nature really wants to show off once more.
And that's why it's so much fun to be out and about at this time of year. Whether it's big excursions or short trips, autumn is perfect and you often have the weather on your side as well. But even if it rains and gets a little cold, the colorful spectacle in nature lasts quite a long time and manages to captivate and enchant visitors even when the weather is not so nice.
We were able to experience just that again in the fall. We spent the changeover from November to December in the Aizu region in the west of Fukushima Prefecture, where we had been drawn several times in previous years. We wanted to switch off and relax a little, while also getting to know the country and its people a bit more.
As on previous trips to this region, we made a short stop in the town of Yan-Aizu, where this time I wanted to visit the Enzoji Temple. This was also no stranger to us, but I really wanted to check how it would look in the late fall.
And although it was raining, I took the opportunity to take a quick tour of the temple grounds while the rest of my small team waited for me in the car. Some opportunities just can't be missed...
And so it was that I once again walked up the stairs to Enzoji and approached the small gate at this side entrance. The way up was already quite enjoyable, as it glowed all around me in a variety of colors. And even the rain from above couldn't dampen this great reception.
The origins of the temple date back around 1200 years and the design of the temple is somewhat reminiscent of the famous Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, mainly due to the large balcony from which you have a wonderful view of the river valley in front of it.
Enzoji is also known as the home of the Akabeko, the red cows that are said to have helped carry the necessary building materials up the hill after a natural disaster. Today you can see these Akabeko everywhere in the city and they are not only a popular mascot, but have also become a popular souvenir item.
Now I was already standing on the balustrade of the temple and admiring the amazing colors around me. I didn't really have much time, but I still managed to look around a bit.
And here we are standing in front of one of the famous Akabekos. Mitsuko 満子, is waiting up here right in front of the main building and is happy about every visitor who comes closer and wants to have their photo taken with her. We had already met her on a previous visit and it was nice to see her here again on that day.
Here we now have the magnificent view I just told you about. We are standing on the veranda of the temple and below you can see the Tadami River, which meanders around a few bends and is crossed by several bridges. From up here, but also from the very back looking towards the temple, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama, no matter what time of year you visit.
I quickly moved on and went for a short walk along the temple walls. I had a very specific spot in mind where I absolutely wanted to take a photo. I had previously seen a picture in a brochure and that was exactly where I was heading.
Well, it didn't look quite as great as in the brochure. I had expected much more red, but that had turned into a light shade of brown. The maple trees here had already shed their leaves, which were supposed to form a bright red carpet.
Nevertheless, I was glad to have come here, as even on that rainy day I was greeted by a very special atmosphere that I was only too happy to indulge in. Autumn managed to impress despite the cold and wet weather and I enjoyed my quick tour through the temple grounds.
Now I was time to go back to the car, but not without looking around again and again. I didn't want to miss anything and I wanted to store everything I saw in my memory. Fortunately I also have my many photos, which in retrospect help me to recapitulate the atmosphere of that visit.
I went back the way I had come, so I saw things from a different angle. But while walking back I was very pleased to have taken the opportunity to have a look around. Autumn was still in full swing and I got a big slice of it, which had improved my good mood even more.
I'll definitely be come back here some day. Let's see what season will be around me then. But I'm already sure that I'll enjoy my next visit and will definitely get to see something new again.
There is still so much to see and to show. To make sure you don't miss out on all the great impressions and pictures that the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer, please check back here soon....
