Enjoying the seasons, the landscapes and natural beauty is a very important trait in Japanese culture. One of the most beautiful and impressive states of nature is sunset. It colours everything in golden tones that are often pictured on Japanese traditional folding screens, fans and other pieces of art.
The beauty of watching the sun set at the end of a fine day is easy enough by the ocean or along a river, the reflections in the water are stunning. But in the city, beautiful reflections can also be found in windows or in the golden shadings of buildings. Gardens lit by the rays of the setting sun are gorgeous and relaxing after the fuss of a busy day…
I always try to catch those golden hours and take a break then because that beauty melts in the darkness of night after about 15 minutes. One of the most memorable sunsets I saw was in Mito. There is a path towards Kairakuen Garden along two narrow rivers flowing into Senba Lake. Walking that path, I could watch the setting sun - the first rays of light followed by the bright golden coloured water of the rivers dotted with dark silhouettes of floating swans was such a picturesque and peaceful image!
Another sunset that remains in my memory occurred in Ito. In the evening the sun suddenly appeared after a gloomy day and coloured both the sky and waters of the ocean with a beautifully pink-violet shading. That sunset was a promise that the next day would be fine and, yes, it was!
So whether you watch the sunset in the city or out in nature, take care to pay attention to it. It's a beautiful time of the day and recognising it as such adds so much more enjoyment to any trip to Japan.
