Ginkgos in full color

Japan is known for it's beautiful fall leaves.  They are more bright and vibrant here than anywhere I've ever seen before.  I think it has something to do with the drastic change in temperature that occurs in October - just a guess.  The trees started changing colors a couple weeks ago, and now they are in their full display of vivid colors. 

The area we live in has an abundance of gingko trees.  These tall trees have fan shaped leaves.  There are male and female ginkgos, the female producing the ginkgo nut.  These nuts are popular in Japan for use in recipes like ginkgo nut rice and chawanmushi (a savory steamed custard).  Some people like them salted and roasted like peanuts, except ginkgos are usually served on a stick. 

I've been watching people collect the nuts.  They cover their hands with a bag because the fruit is pretty stinky (like cheese).  There's so many, it is pretty easy "picking."

I didn't collect any nuts today.  Instead,  I bought my son ice cream and we sat in the park gazing at the beautiful leaves.  Sometimes having a quiet moment takes some bribery.  Watching the sun reach through the leaves was breathtaking.  It was also fun to see all the people in the park stopping to enjoy the view and take photos. 

Taking a moment to look at something beautiful is very Japanese.  They seem to take the saying "stop and smell the roses" to heart and actually do it.  I, too, am taking every chance I can to take in the beautiful scenery of autumn and all it has to offer.