Some images from today’s family outing to Chichibu, in the far western part of our prefecture (Saitama). It was about a 3-hour drive. Japanese take the changing of autumn leaves (called kouyou) very seriously. Today helped me understand why. Chichibu itself was a wonder to behold, hard to believe such beauty is so close at hand. Naoko’s family took many trips there during her childhood. I think this is something Naoko and I will continue, with our family.