Nights in fall are long.
Fall is known for having the shortest days and longest nights of all four seasons.
In Japan, this period of long nights has been known for centuries as “aki yonaga”, and people have found great beauty in how they spend these nights. Some people gaze at the beautiful moon while thinking of those special to them, while others close their eyes and listen to the soft sound of evening insects.
Even now, with the passage of time and the world overflowing with all kinds of entertainment, special fall evening enjoyments can be found- a person drinking more slowly than usual, chatting with their friends. Someone enjoying the starry night sky in fall more than usual, or someone immersing themselves in reading throughout a quiet night. There are many ways to enjoy long fall evenings.
Fall nights are not as humid as summer nights, and not as cold as winter nights. On such long nights, it is easy to stay awake. Taking a walk in the middle of the night or even going for a run is recommended.
Especially on nights with a full moon, a feeling of exhileration that seems at odds with the middle of the night can leave you feeling as if anything is possible.
If you visit Japan in fall, why not try enjoying these long nights yourself?
Of course, how you enjoy the long night is up to you.