Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Momiji-gari, Autumn Leaves Viewing】

The temperature is dropping, and the weather is feeling a bit
more autumn-like. The trees are turning vivid shades of red, orange, green, and yellow, and in Japan, just
as people enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the spring, there's a cultural tradition of appreciating the
colorful foliage in the autumn.
It's called "紅葉狩り" (Momijigari), and it involves activities such as walking, hiking, taking a drive, or
traveling to hot springs in order to see the autumn foliage. People also take photos of the colorful leaves,
paint them, or enjoy meals or a soak in the hot spring while surrounded by the vibrant scenery. There are
so many ways to appreciate this natural beauty, you just need to find the one that suits you.
In the next topic, the information from Fukuoka City, I'll introduce some recommended spots within
Fukuoka city for enjoying Momijigari!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Gardens and Autumn Foliage
First, one great spot to see Autumn colors is at a Japanese garden and fortunately, Fukuoka City boasts
several Japanese gardens. Here in the city, we have:
1. Yusentei Park
2. Shofuen Garden
3. Rakusuien Garden
4. Ohori Park Japanese Garden
These Japanese gardens are conveniently located within the city, which means they're easy to get to for a
visit. And they're a great place for even a short visit because Japanese gardens provide the opportunity to
appreciate seasonal beauty within a limited space.
They often offer matcha tea for a small fee, allowing you to relax while enjoying the garden's view. You
can take leisurely strolls around the ponds and savor the tranquil, crisp air.
This season is a recommended time to visit these gardens, as you can also enjoy the beautiful autumn
foliage. But, if a Japanese garden isn't your cup of tea, Fukuoka City has many other popular spots for
viewing autumn leaves, such as the Fukuoka City Museum area, Aburayama Citizen's Forest, and
Momijihachimangu Shrine. From November to December, these places reach their peak for autumn
foliage. So, get out and enjoy these places this autumn.

Bicycle Parking Manners
One more topic to share and for those of you who commute by bicycle, this is important information for
you. There are a lot of us who get around the city by bicycle and it's important to make sure that we are
parking in designated bicycle parking areas.

Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on the street or in public parks are
considered an obstruction to pedestrians or even a nuisance, and are therefore subject to removal under
the assumption that they are abandoned bicycles.
Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to return a bicycle that has been removed, and if the bicycles are
not picked up within a certain period of time, they will be discarded.
There are bicycle parking lots near shopping centers and stations that offer free parking for set periods of
time, so even though it might seem like a hassle, make use of them because it's a lot better than paying
money to get your bicycle back from bike jail!