Let me start by talking about spring and summer. In Japan, spring is the season of entrance ceremonies for schools and companies. As the weather gradually becomes warmer, people look forward to the blooming of cherry blossoms, and many enjoy having picnics under the trees. As for seasonal foods, bamboo shoots are especially famous and are often eaten in simmered dishes or cooked with rice. After about a month of the rainy season, summer arrives. Fireworks displays and summer festivals are held throughout the country. People often enjoy refreshing foods, such as watermelon, shaved ice, and chilled thin noodles.

Autumn in Japan is a cool, nostalgic season often described as the season for sports and reading. People look forward to the colorful autumn leaves and enjoy seasonal foods like freshly harvested rice, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and Pacific saury. In winter, the Pacific side often has clear weather, while the Sea of Japan side experiences heavy snowfall. On New Year's Eve, people eat buckwheat noodles, and during the New Year, families celebrate by eating traditional dishes believed to bring good luck and a soup with rice cakes. They also visit a shrine for the first prayer of the year.

I prefer autumn because the view of the mountains with their colorful autumn leaves is stunning, and the maple trees, as seen from an outdoor hot spring bath, have a special charm.

Looking through the photo folder on my smartphone, I found that I had taken pictures of the colorful trees every year.
People often say that autumn nights feel long. I spend my evenings the same way as in other seasons, but I tend to feel a bit sentimental. In mid-autumn, there is also a tradition of admiring the full moon, with rice dumplings and pampas grass displayed as offerings.

Few young people actually display dumplings or pampas grass at home, but they might still notice decorations in public places or take a moment to look up at the full moon.