In visiting Nagoya in early December, I caught the very end of autumn leaves, but it was still gorgeous – absolutely crisp air, clear blue skies. I’ve never seen a proper deciduous forest in full flame, but this was a taste of what it must be like. 
The apartment buildings have small playgrounds that look like they haven’t changed for 40 years since they were first put in. The colours here meld with the fallen autumn leaves, and children walk home from school rugged up in the 9 degree air. 
I love looking out from Japanese apartment buildings, having grown up in the sprawling Australian suburbs. From the top floor, its a bit like looking out at a raised ground level. Most apartments are only 3 to 5 storeys (kai) high, and so you can actually still see the gorgeous winter sky. 