Colorful Autumn Leaves Like Fire and Freshly Harvested Soba in Minowa, Kamiina, Nagano, Japan

Momiji Lake in Minowa Town boasts over 10,000 Japanese maple trees. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of vibrant autumn leaves in late November, perfectly described by the word "burning."

This area is also known as the “Red Soba Fields,” where vast pink flowers bloom across the fields, resembling a ruby-colored carpet. Although the red soba was already sold out during my visit, I was delighted to taste freshly harvested soba instead.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Minowa is famous for its seasonal delicacy—freshly harvested soba noodles. During this season, you can savor freshly made 100% new harvest soba. While soba may not be as colorful as the autumn leaves or the pink flowers of the red soba fields, the joy it brings to the heart is truly vibrant.

After enjoying the spectacular autumn foliage, I savored a bowl of freshly harvested soba, and a profound sense of gratitude for nature filled my heart.

Photos by Tsukubu

Momiji Lake (Minowa Dom)

Higashiminowa, Minowa-cho, Kamiina-gun, Nagano, Japan

Suisya-ya（Handcrafted Soba）

2931, Nakaminowa, Minowamachi, Kamiina, Nagano, Japan

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