Autumnal in Fukushima
Just over two months ago, I traded Saga's sweltering heat for Fukushima's cooler embrace, a move that brought almost a ten-degree drop in temperature and a world of difference. August here was a revelation: days were mild, nights refreshingly pleasant, and for the first time in years, the weather felt like home. Fukushima may only be about five degrees further north than Saga, but that small shift makes a big impact. Back in Saga, summer days reliably soared to 40 degrees, with nights offering little relief. Heat stroke warnings blared daily, and even schools championed the importance of hydration, sometimes going so far as to recommend ice cream as a survival tool.
Back in Saga, I once wrote a blog about the seasons, and how autumn never really showed up: one day, the sun was scorching everything in sight, and the next, it was suddenly cold, wet, and practically spring again. The trees shed their leaves in a blink, autumn vanishing in the space of a week. But here in Fukushima, I’m finally witnessing the slow, spectacular transformation I’d missed: trees gradually shifting into brilliant shades of orange and red, and this week, gusty winds sent a cascade of leaves tumbling to the ground in a scene straight out of a storybook. Hearing the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath my feet as I walked back to the office, I was transported to childhood autumns in the UK, a vivid reminder that I hadn’t truly experienced this season in three years.
The temperature continues to plummet, and we are fast approaching Halloween; the need for heat tech and more layers is creeping in. This past week has been incredibly cold, and as I am constantly reminded by colleagues, it will only get worse.
If you plan to visit at this time of year, pack warmer clothes and consider investing in reasonably priced Heat tech from UNIQLO; you’ll notice the difference. This season is certainly a beautiful one for nature lovers; if you plan your trip just right, you can catch the mountains and hills turning a vibrant shade of orange and red. There are also lots of lantern festivals and local festivals at this time of the year, not to mention the amazing array of Japanese festival and street foods on offer. It’s a great time of the year to visit because the temperatures are more enjoyable. You can explore during the day without risking heat stroke.
On the topic of food, seasonal flavours kick in, and more mochi products become available. Warmer drinks can be found in the convenience stores and the vending machines too, which I certainly recommend trying. I have written a few blogs now explaining the limited nature of many convenience store items, and autumn is no exception. Regionally themed items often pop up this time of year, including Hokkaido items, mochi and Halloween collaborations. Just like in the West, pumpkin spice hits the country during the spooky season, and many food items can be found tainted with the orange powder!
I am nervously awaiting the first snow of the year and preparing mentally early for the endless days of freezing temperatures and walking like a penguin to avoid falling over! The year is slowly ending, and I want to thank my readers for sharing my adventure with me. At times, it is lonely, but I enjoy writing my experiences and thoughts down. The blog has taught me many things, and I have really enjoyed researching some of the topics on here. I hope that everyone has a fantastically spooky autumn and that wherever you are in the world, you can take some time away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature. The days are growing dark, and the year feels like it is slowly wrapping up.
At this time of year, I love to enjoy hot chocolate and will be on the lookout for some of Japan's offerings! Thank you once again for your support, and I hope your autumn will be a colourful one!
