In Japan, there is an old saying, “Atsusa samusa mo higanmade,” which literally means “no heat or cold lasts over the equinox.” Sept. 22 is the autumnal equinox, so fall is officially here!

Now that the summer heat is subsiding and sky is becoming clearer, be on the lookout for some wonderful sunsets.

Tomoko Tanaka, from our Stars and Stripes Sasebo Office, just sent me a photo of beautiful sunset over Kujukushima Islands near Sasebo Naval Base.

Kujukushima (99 islands) is a well-known tourist attraction where 208 islands are packed within a 15-mile area off Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture. Eight observation spots scattered in the city offer visitors breathtaking views of countless green islands and beautiful blue sea.

In this photo taken on Saturday (Sept. 19), a pleasure boat “Pearl Queen” is sailing among the packed islands of Kujukushima through water and sky beautifully dyed with crimson colors. According to Tanaka, it is rare to see such a gorgeous sunset in Sasebo.

Wherever you live, be on the lookout for some eye-catching sunsets. And if you see one share it with us on Facebook!