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Curious Ordinary's avatar

My last trip to Japan was in Autumn and I absolutely loved it. Where I live we don't get the autumn leaves and so it's a real novelty for me. I loved it so much I will definitely try to visit at this time again.

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

That’s amazing you chose autumn for your last visit! Where in Japan did you go that time? Maybe you’ve already tried it during that trip, but if not, please try chestnut rice next time, it’s amazing!

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Curious Ordinary's avatar

We spent time between Tokyo and Kyoto. I would love to explore further but unfortunately I have coeliac disease and so I can't eat gluten, which makes it very challenging with food. I would definitely love to try chestnut rice though.

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve actually realized that many of my subscribers also need gluten-free options, so I’ll be preparing a post soon featuring some gluten-free foods you can enjoy in Japan.

I hope it will give you some ideas for your next trip!

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Bonnie Cook's avatar

And the chrysanthemums!

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Yes, that’s so true! I love chrysanthemums too. Do they grow where you live as well, or are they mostly something you’ve seen in Japan?

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Bonnie Cook's avatar

We do have them growing this time of year here in the Pacific Northwest in Washington, usa, but we don't have them as spectacular displays the way you have. I saw them there in Okayama when we stayed for a month as visiting artists in an exchange program. It was November and I had never seen the chrysanthemums trained into such large perfect structures. Fall was beautiful with so many leaves changing color.

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Wow, I didn’t know they grow in the U.S. too! I’m actually visiting Okayama next week. Maybe a bit too early for the full display, but that’s wonderful to hear!

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Patrick M. Lydon's avatar

Ah, we just got some chestnuts from a friend who collects them from the forest. It didn't cross my mind to put them in with the rice! Thanks Dr. Miki. This is going to be delicious :-)

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Thank you very much for the comment! That’s so cool! And yes, please do try the chestnut rice. I love it with gomashio (ごましお) on top. The smell when I open the rice cooker feels so much like autumn!

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Michela Tokyo Days – 東京物語's avatar

Autumn and spring are my favorite seasons in Japan!

I explored several beautiful spots: I strolled under the golden ginkgo trees near Meiji Jingu, admired the yellow, red, and orange leaves in Nikko, savored a chestnut wagashi in the bamboo forest near Utsunomiya, and enjoyed the Aki Matsuri in Kanuma, Tochigi. Today, I treated myself to a cold yaki-imo soy latte at Doutor. Each experience felt truly special, filled with the colors, flavors, and atmosphere of Japanese autumn.

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Dr Miki from Japan's avatar

Thank you for your lovely comment! I’ve never been to the Aki Matsuri in Kanuma — it sounds amazing, I’ll definitely have to visit sometime! And yes, I love spring too — both seasons have such beautiful colors and energy in Japan.

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