Koshihikari Harvest

The first newly harvested rice of the season in now in the shops though the harvest has yet to start in earnest in Snow Country. The rice harvest is a sure sign of autumn and the changing of the seasons that play such an important part in Japanese life.

The temperatures start to drop (although there should be plenty of fine days ahead) and the preparation for the long cold winter begins - the nights here are already starting to feel colder. After the heat and humidity of the summer, the cooler days of autumn are a welcome change for most. The hikers especially make the most of this season and nature obliges with a fantastic show of autumnal colours. Most areas of Snow Country put on an amazing display of the changing of the colours as the surrounding mountains are all covered in trees and the variety of species means a broad range of colours. The colours won't be at their best for a few weeks but looking up into the mountains you can already see them starting to turn and they are well worth a trip to come and see. Some of the more famous areas are the Hakkaisan Ropeway, the boat trip on Okutadami Lake, the Tanigawadake Ropeway and the Dragondola at Naeba. All of these offer amazing views with the minimum of effort. Those more physically inclined are spoiled for choice as every area of Snow Country offers stunning scenery.