Autumn seems to last a long time in Kobe with the Japanese Maple losing its leaves near the end of the year. There are flowers in Kobe all year long! But that will be another post.
I have been teaching English as a second language for over 20 years in Japan and Canada. What keeps me in Japan is the love of its culture, which constantly surprises me. I am also fascinated with "alternative travel", or "travel off the beaten path". Ferries and trains are my mode of choice... airplane for convenience.