The young chestnut leaves are shining, full of vitality. In Shinshu, it is not cherry blossoms, but chestnut leaves that are symbolic of the innocent new life of spring.
Take a close look at chestnut branches. Tiny chestnut burrs covered in soft spines are growing there. Baby chestnuts are as cute as baby animals.
Autumn is the season of chestnuts. In what seems like a moment the chestnut burrs change from green to brown. Once they turn brown they soon fall from the tree. Chestnuts are only used once they fall from the tree; they are not picked.
The bare chestnut branches are quite beautiful. The black trunks make a wonderful contrast with the brown fallen leaves, and if white snow is added to the picture, you'll feel like a poet.
