Merther's Autumn Travel

I went to Japan this time hoping to catch the Momiji season.

Unlike my last trip, where I rushed around trying to see everything, this one was slower and more relaxed. I focused on staying at different Onsen hotels, soaking in hot springs, and eating way too much good food (I gained 3 kg from all the binging - worth it, but now I have to deal with it 😅). Compared to Sakura season, there wasn’t much autumn color at first. I didn’t see real Momiji until I got to Hakone, and later a bit in Arima, but not much in between. I couldn’t plan the trip later because of my work vacation schedule, but honestly, I didn’t mind. It was still pretty warm, and I didn’t need heavy autumn clothes, which made things easier.

Why I am writing all this in my shop's blog? Because a shrimp-size Aether accompanied me in my trip. Here is some photos from my stays in ryokans. 😊

During my first ryokan stay, I caught the full moon. A lonely bright spot in the dark skies, barely any stars visible around. It was still visible in the morning as you see.

As for the second photo I took… take a guess 😉 It’s not from a hotel. It’s from a very popular tourist spot, way up high.

One thing that surprised me was how small Japanese maple leaves are. Where I live - and even in China - the leaves can be bigger than my hand. But in Japan, they’re tiny. I kept stopping to look at them up close.

It was also my first time seeing a ginkgo tree in full autumn color. That bright yellow is unreal. I didn’t expect to be so impressed by a tree, but here we are.

On my way back, I had one day in China and spent it in Shanghai. I visited a super popular tourist spot - and I didn’t expect it to be so big. The paths twist and turn, and there are so many hidden corners that I can totally imagine someone getting lost there… or sneaking off for a secret date. It’s the kind of place where you could have three lovers and none of them would bump into each other 😄.

I had one last stop on the way back - in a much colder country. There was snow, which I hadn’t seen in… honestly, I don’t even remember how long. The wind was sharp and icy, the kind that cuts right through your coat and makes your ears regret everything. It was beautiful in its own way, but I was very glad it was just for one day. 

I hope you enjoyed the photos of my little Aether keychain tagging along. You can order one here and take him somewhere special too. He deserves the adventure.