[For Seniors] Let's have fun with an autumn-themed quiz!

In which prefecture in Japan can you see the latest autumn foliage?

Japan is a country where you can feel temperature differences depending on the region, and natural phenomena seem to shift in particular directions as well.

Among these changing natural phenomena, let’s focus on autumn foliage: which prefecture sees the latest autumn colors? Here’s a hint: it’s a warm place where the temperature doesn’t drop easily.

If imagining “not getting colder” is tricky, you might think of places that get especially hot in summer.

The answer is Shizuoka Prefecture.

In particular, the autumn leaves at Atami Plum Garden reach their peak from late November to December, earning it the nickname “the latest autumn foliage in Japan.”

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What is the approximate temperature at which the autumn leaves start to change color?

When it comes to autumn, viewing the changing leaves is an essential event, and seeing the mountains turn vivid colors really makes you feel the change of seasons.

So, what temperatures are required for the leaves to start changing? We tend to picture autumn foliage as occurring right before winter—maybe not quite winter, but during a chilly period—so you might be able to guess.

The answer is 8°C.

It’s said that foliage begins when the minimum temperature starts to fall below this level, and once it starts dipping below 5 to 6°C, the coloring progresses rapidly.

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Why do lotus roots have holes?

A seasonal ingredient from autumn to winter! Here’s a trivia quiz: Why does lotus root have holes? Lotus root’s unique shape with holes is appealing, but do you know what role those holes play? The answer is: they serve as air passages for breathing.

Lotus roots grow in watery soil, but the mud at the bottom has little oxygen for them to breathe.

There are many kinds of vegetables, and learning about each of their characteristics is fascinating, isn’t it?

The 24 solar terms divide the year on Earth into 24 parts based on the seasons and climate. What is the term for the time in late autumn when the first frost appears?

Do you know the 24 solar terms? The 24 solar terms are like a calendar that divides the year.

First, the seasons are split into spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and then each season is further divided into six periods according to the weather.

The beginning of autumn is called Risshū, and the period when the summer heat begins to ease is called Shosho.

Here’s a question: How do we describe the time when the first frost falls? The correct answer is Sōkō.

It’s read “kōsō,” and it specifically refers to around October 24.

It might be fun to compare the traditional solar-term calendar with today’s calendar to see where we are right now.

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Which part is the seed of a chestnut?

Matsutake mushrooms, grapes, pears, mushrooms—you could go on forever listing the flavors of autumn.

Matsutake rice, considered a luxury, is something you’d like to have at least once a year, right? By the way, chestnuts are a quintessential autumn treat, but which part of a chestnut is actually the seed? The answer is that the entire part you eat—the “nut” itself—is the seed.

That spiky, sea-urchin-like burr might be serving as a bodyguard to protect the seed.

It’s the same with acorns and chinquapins.

From the chestnut tree’s perspective, it’s working hard to leave descendants by preserving its seeds, and yet humans are eating those seeds… maybe that gives you a tiny pang of guilt?