Early November marks the opening of the autumn cherry blossoms in Obaracho, Toyota. By the time mid-November rolls around, close to 10,000 shikizakura cherry blossoms bloom a pale pink until the end of the month. The Yoshino cherry bears its pink petals in springtime, but the shikizakura blossoms twice a year: first in spring, then in autumn. They are considered one of the most beautiful flowers of autumn, especially when they bloom against the gorgeous and vibrant red maple leaves. The Obara Shikizakura Matsuri began on November 1, and right now, you can witness this spectacle for yourself. The shikizakura trees planted in Obara have been there since Kansei era (1789-1801). With the helping hand of locals, the trees have become one of Japan's most famous shikizakura spots. They were designated as Chiku (District) Trees in 1978 and can be seen throughout the entire district. Some of the trees are over 100 years old and as such registered as Natural Monuments of Aichi prefecture.   This is a spot we highly recommend visiting when travelling to Aichi.   ▼Obara Shikizakura Cherry Blossoms Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November Locations: 441-1 Johei, Obaracho, Toyota, Aichi (Obara Fureai Park) Senmichi, Toyota, Aichi (Senmi Shikizakura no Sato) Access: Take the Toyota Oiden Bus bound for Kaminigi (上仁木行き) and get off at Obaraokusa (小原大草) or Kaminigi (上仁木) Details:  http://www.kankou-obara.toyota.aichi.jp/   ▼Obara Shikizakura Matsuri Running: November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019 Locations: Senmi Shikizakura no Sato, Obara Fureai Park, and elsewhere in the region Notes: The Kururin Bus can be boarded for free on weekends and public holidays while the festival is on Official Website: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/132/   The Korankei Maple Festival is also taking place this month where you can witness around 40,000 maple trees bearing their gorgeous autumn foliage. The trees are being lit up every night for the month of November. Watch the sun set before the illuminations are turned on, creating an enchanting atmosphere with the warm, radiating lights against the night sky.   ▼Maple Trees Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November Location:  Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi Access: Ride the Meitetsu Mikawa Line to Toyotashi Station, change onto Meitetsu Bus, and alight at Korankei (香嵐渓) Official Website:  http://asuke.info/korankei/   ▼64th Korankei Maple Festival Running: November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019 Location: Around Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi Light-Up: Sunset to 21:00 Access: 20 minutes from Sarugata Green Road Interchange / 20 minutes from Toyota-Kanpachi Interchange Official Website: http://asuke.info/event/nov/entry-705.html   Witness two of Japan's most celebrates treesーthe cherry blossom and the mapleーflower together in one place in Aichi.

Christmastime has fallen on Roppongi Hills as it kicked off Roppongi Hills Christmas 2019 on Monday. The event sees the return of the gorgeous Keyakizaka illuminations from last year.Keyakizaka-dori Street runs almost 400 meters, along which "Snow & Blue" LED lights glow and glisten like frost-covered trees, turning the street into a winter wonderland. For 2019, a very special photo spot has been designed by Japanese illustrator Yu Nagaba as pictured above amongst the ocean of illuminations. Over on the West Walk, passersby will spot a draped Christmas tree.   Starting this Friday (November 15), more illuminations will light up over at Mori Garden, which will reflect enchantingly from the garden lake, and 66 Plaza will be lit up too. All of these illuminations will glow until late in the night, making them a perfect spot for a little evening date.A Christmas market will take place starting on November 30 which will feature German food and drinks, a shop where you can buy a real fir Christmas tree, and more. And on November 15, restaurants and cafes at Roppongi Hills will adorn their menus with Christmas cakes, sweets, and dinner plans.  

Christmas Market 2019

2019 marks the 13th year of the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, and this year, many of Japan's leading shops are taking part. The market will recreate the atmosphere and decor of a German Christmas market, with gorgeous decorations lining the roof, as well as the 11 stalls which will sell German-made Christmas sundries, German mulled wine, frankfurter sausages, and more. There will be over 2,000 individual items to find.  

Christmas Cakes & Merry Desserts

Top: Christmas Show Girl ¥3,672 / Bottom: Christmas Tree ¥10,800 @ LOLA'S Cupcakes Tokyo

Cafes and restaurants have cooked up various treats for the Christmas season which will be sold between November 15 to December 25, including Christmas cakes to complete your Christmas dinner, desserts so cute they almost seem a waste to eat, and little items perfect to give as gifts. There's plenty on the menu to be enjoyed with friends, family and loved ones.   Have a very special and merry little Christmas this year at Roppongi Hills.

The Former Shizutani School, recognised as the oldest school existing for commoners in Japan, has reached its peak season for autumn foliage. Speficially, for the Chinese pistache tree, which is a symbol of the school. Shizutani School first opened in 1670 during the Kambun era. In 2015, it was registered as an Educational Heritage Site from Early-Modern Japan. The majority of the site is listed as an Important Cultural Property, including the temple, Shizutani Shrine, as well as the auditorium which is considered a national treasure.   The school's surrounding natural landscape enjoys the blooming of many different flowers throughout the entire year which people flock to see. It's especially famous for autumn, a season during which the enchanting red and yellow hues boas their beautiful blossom. The three colours reflect from the lacquered flooring of the auditorium, rippling like ocean waves. The beautiful contrast between the reds and yellows of the pistaches can be enjoyed during autumn-time only. The best time to see them is from now until November 20, so if you're travelling to Okayama, be sure to pay the Former Shizutani School a visit.