Every autumn, NILS organizes a small cultural outing for students, and one of our regular activities is momijigari, the Japanese tradition of enjoying autumn leaves. This year, we visited the historic Hirata Family Residence in Ogori City. It was a pleasant day where we were able to appreciate the scenery, learn a bit about local history, and enjoy a simple seasonal treat together.
Stepping Into Japan’s Past
The moment you step into the Hirata Family Residence, you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. This beautifully preserved traditional home is spacious, wooden, and full of character. Friendly local volunteers welcomed us warmly and guided us through the history of the house. They explained how people lived centuries ago, how the architecture kept the home warm in winter and cool in summer, and how life unfolded inside such a large Japanese household.
The students listened with great curiosity—many had never been inside a traditional Japanese home before. Seeing the tatami rooms, wooden beams, and wide open spaces up close made the cultural experience even more meaningful.
A Brilliant Yellow Maple in the Courtyard
One of the quiet charms of the residence is its inner courtyard. At this time of year, the maple tree there turns a beautiful shade of yellow. Students naturally paused for a moment, taking their time to enjoy the soft colors—an experience that reflects the gentle spirit of momijigari.
And of course, enjoying the scenery felt even nicer with something sweet to try. We shared “yabure manjū,” a local specialty from Ogori’s long-established confectionery Shiwa Manjū. Soft and flavorful, it was a lovely seasonal treat. For many students, it was their first time tasting Japanese manjū, which made the moment even more enjoyable.
A Perfect Photo Spot at the Shrine
Just outside the residence is a small shrine with another brilliant maple tree standing in front of it. Naturally, this became a favorite photo spot! Students lined up to take pictures with the bright autumn leaves—some posing with friends, others capturing the scenery to show their families back home.
Seeing everyone enjoy themselves, cameras clicking and laughter echoing in the crisp autumn air, reminded us why this event is so special every year.
Why This Experience Matters
For many students who come to NILS, Japan is full of new experiences—culture, language, traditions, food, and history. Our annual momijigari trip is more than just sightseeing. It’s a chance to:
- Explore traditional Japanese culture in an authentic setting
- Learn local history from the people who care for it
- Share special moments with classmates from around the world
- Enjoy seasonal beauty that Japan is famous for
We want future students to feel excited about everything Japan has to offer. Moments like these make studying abroad unforgettable.
Join Us Next Year!
If you’re thinking about coming to Japan to study, we would love for you to experience these unique traditions with us. At NILS, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it’s woven into every adventure, every cultural activity, and every season.
Autumn in Japan is truly magical, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
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