Japan's Brief Autumn Seasonal Changes
Transformed Article:
Misty Fujii: A Bold, Adventurous Spirit in Japan
Misty Fujii, a Canadian DJ and writer, spiced up her life with an adventurous move to Japan. With her passion for sharing stories and living life on a bucket list, she's as obsessed with collecting vintage vinyl records and traveling as she is about savouring a plateful of exotic cuisines. Currently residing in a traditional Japanese house that she's lovingly renovating, you can find her sharing her thrilling escapades on Instagram @djmisty.
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Are you tired of the monotony of autumn? Japan offers a fresh, captivating perspective on the season. It's not just about chestnuts, pumpkins, and pumpkin spice; it's about embracing the ephemeral beauty of each moment thanks to the Japanese philosophy of mono-no-aware. This appreciation for fleeting beauty is present in everything—from poetry to art. In a land ripe for natural disasters, the importance of this philosophy hits even harder.
The 24 micro-seasons in Japan are divided into 6 sekki (six parts each season) and 72 kou (18 parts each season). This system, stemming from a 72-season calendar adopted from China, offers a profound appreciation for life's impermanence. Every micro-season, lasting about five days, focuses on subtle shifts in nature, instilling the need to work alongside the earth. From the first hint of spring warmth and summer heat to the gentle chill of autumn, these minuscule episodes celebrate the transience of life.
So, the next time you find yourself in Japan during autumn, slow down and immerse yourself in the magic of Japan's micro-seasons. Grab a cup of coffee made with local beans or a Japanese dessert and discover the six sekki of Autumn.
- 1. Shūbun (秋分) Autumn Equinox
- 2. Kanro (寒露) Cold Dew
- 3. Sōkō (霜降) Frost Falls
- 4. Rittō (立冬) Beginning of Winter
- 5. Shōsetsu (小雪) Lesser Snow
- 6. Taisetsu (大雪) Greater Snow
1. Shūbun (秋分) Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox on September 23 marks the beginning of fall. During this time, you can admire showy spider lilies with their fiery hues surrounding rice fields, take in the delightful essence of kinmokusei, and enjoy the cooling weather that provides respite from the hot summer.
Celebrate this seasonal transition with Tsukimi, a popular festival where families gather to appreciate the full moon and offer thanks for the harvest. Taro, matsutake mushrooms, and ginkgo nuts are some of the mouthwatering treats that deserve your attention.
- 2. Kanro (寒露) Cold Dew
October 8 brings a fresh, invigorating chill as the days get shorter and the nights grow cooler. Expect to see flocks of geese and ducks arriving from colder regions, as well as children collecting insects and admiring their vibrant colors.
As the nights get longer, Nadagiku, the chrysanthemum festival, serves as a beautiful reminder of the ephemeral nature of life. Japanese pears, chestnuts, and steamy dango desserts make for ideal autumn delicacies.
- 3. Sōkō (霜降) Frost Falls
As autumn leaves start to change to hues of gold, crimson, and amber, the maple tree—known as momiji—whose collectable leaves create intricate patterns on mountains, becomes a must-see spectacle.
In addition to the picturesque landscapes, you can witness unique cultural celebrations like the Uwatsuhiko Shrine Autumn Festival in Ehime and the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto. Enjoy tasty snacks such as acorns, chestnuts, and inoko mochi (sweet rice cakes).
- (Continue this pattern for the remaining sekki: Rittō (立冬) Beginning of Winter, Shōsetsu (小雪) Lesser Snow, and Taisetsu (大雪) Greater Snow)
A Modernized Wellness Trend
While the original Japanese calendar recognizes 72 micro-seasons, some modern wellness practices have adapted this system to a simplified version, consisting of approximately 24 larger seasonal phases. This adapted version is not an official list but aims to align spa treatments, botanicals, and rituals with broader natural shifts, such as cherry blossom season, hinoki and mint, summer rain, and autumn leaves.
- Misty Fujii's adventurous spirit in Japan transforms every experience into a story, from exploring food-and-drink establishments to immersing in the natural beauty of Japan's seasons, like the autumn leaves.
- Delve into the lifestyle of Japan during autumn, as it offers more than just chestnuts and pumpkin spice; it's about appreciating the transient beauty of each moment through the Japanese philosophy of mono-no-aware.
- Each of Japan's 24 micro-seasons is a travel tip in itself, offering unique experiences such as Tsukimi, a festival where families gather to appreciate the moon and offer thanks for the harvest.
- As the first micro-season of autumn, Shūbun brings a refreshing coolness and the delightful kinmokusei scent, making it an ideal time to engage in cultural experiences like Tsukimi and savor mouthwatering treats like taro and matsutake mushrooms.
- In Sōkō, the maple tree's vibrant leaves create stunning landscapes, perfect for combining cultural experiences like the Uwatsuhiko Shrine Autumn Festival with food-and-drink traditions such as enjoying acorns, chestnuts, and inoko mochi.
- Embrace a modernized wellness trend by aligning spa treatments, botanicals, and rituals with broader natural shifts, such as autumn leaves, for a holistic and meaningful travel experience in Japan.
