Every year thousands of people flock to parks, malls and other attractions to marvel at the elaborate and colorful light displays – from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa – set up to ring in the holiday spirit with dazzling brilliance throughout Japan.

While most of mainland Japan is currently enjoying gorgeous autumn leaves and weather, Misawa Air Base and the entire Aomori Prefecture has had its first layer of winter snow for the season.

Rice is more than just a food in Japan: wet rice cultivation shaped the course of Japanese history, rice plays an important role in Shinto rituals, and it’s the backbone of Japanese sake, mochi, and traditional Japanese desserts.

We are finally in Japan’s most beautiful season! You know what I mean, right? All around us the green forests, mountains and landscape are transformed into fiery crimson and vibrant orange hues, and there’s no better time to get to know your host nation than now.