Feeling the coming of autumn in Minuma of Saitama Prefecture
1. Today's Walking Course
Today, I came to Minuma area in Saitama Prefecture. Altough it takes just one hour from Tokyo, this area remains Japanese rural scenery.
2. Today's Photographies
Now I am in Minuma Nature Park.
I really love this pond because the landscape is very similar with "Water-Lilies" by Claude MONET. Whenever I have free time, I come here and just admire the view.
Now I am heading to the north. This road lined with trees is also my favorite.
This landscape of rice field is Japanese original scenery!
Ears of rice have already been bearing. Although it is still hot, autumn is coming now.
Those are scarecrows, traditional Japanese autumn feature. Local people set them to keep birds away.
This is a small shrine. I guess local people have prayed for good harvest here.
There are chestnuts on the tree. I feel autumn is on its way.
Finally I arrived at Nanasato Park.
3. History
Minuma used to be vast wetland. In the 18th century, this area was reclaimed into rice field. While many areas around Tokyo were urbanized during the high economic growth in 1970s, Minuma has remained the original scenery due to the activity by the local people for nature protection.
4. Information
・Access to Minuma Nature Park is to take Kokusaikoggyo Bus bound for Omiya Station at Urawamisono Station, Saitama Railway and get off Simekiri Bridge Bus Station.
