Finding Comfort in Fall’s Embrace
Sher Pauline Palola-Valenzuela, Nagasaki City
There is always something soothing about autumn – the sound of dried leaves crunching when you stepped on them, the first sip of something warm like pumpkin spice latte or a good cup of tea, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you wrap yourself in your favorite blanket after a long, tiring day. It’s a season that feels like finally coming home.
Having lived in Nagasaki for almost four years now, I could definitely say that Nagasaki is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its sprawling hills, crystal-clear seas, and picturesque views, one can definitely live out their dreams of stepping into the world of Ghibli – in harmony and closer to nature.
Such magical world exists in many places in Nagasaki, especially during autumn. Aside from the changing of leaves into warm fall colors, I never would’ve imagined vibrant pink to be another color of autumn.
A Bed of Pink Cosmos
From the horizon, a small hill of pink can be seen in Omata Flower Farm in Higashinodakemachi, Omura, a one-hour train ride and bus away from Nagasaki City. Famous for its autumn cosmos fields, the farm also offers a variety of seasonal flowers blooming throughout the year.
I have always loved pink flowers so imagine the joy I felt when we arrived at the farm. After paying the 200-yen fee, we finally entered the farm and were instantly blown away by the sight of soft pink cosmos swaying along in the wind.
We arrived in the middle of October, and the cosmos were at the height of their full bloom. Though the sky was a bit gloomy when we visited, the bright hues of pink and white were enough to keep our spirits up. The flowers were really beautiful everywhere you look. From the farm, Nodake Lake and the hills offer a nice scenic backdrop of the cosmos.
There were also a lot of colorful doors, swings, and hammocks that both adults and children can enjoy. Going inside these doors felt like I was Doreamon, travelling from one place to another. Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy fruit picking. The farm offers many fruits for picking such as grapes, blueberries, and apples.
From Farm to Table
After enjoying the flowers at the farm, you can also visit the café inside and try their sweets and pastries. The café offers a variety of desserts to choose from such as apple and blueberry pies, chestnut treats, and many fruit tarts.
Café Nonomi is famous for its delectable apple pie. Paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea, it is the perfect break after strolling through the maze of cosmos. What makes these sweets and pastries so mouthwatering is that they are made fresh from the produce of the farm. Visitors are assured that every bite is a bite of heavenly goodness.
Lake Nodake
The flower farm is located near Lake Nodake, a man-made lake that offers lush green surroundings with stunning views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. It also has a park with a campground and walking and cycling paths. However, there are signages of wild boars roaming around. So, while enjoying the view, make sure to also keep an eye on wild boars.
There are many other activities that visitors can do in the park such as cycling, hiking, camping, and even walking! By being this close to nature, we can find healing and comfort.
As summer’s warmth slowly fades, autumn is now quietly arriving with some kind of magic. The air turns cooler, leaves paint the streets and mountains of Nagasaki in shades of gold and crimson, and every breeze carries along the scent of change.
Autumn is a season that invites us to take things slowly and reflect on what truly matters.
Pictures taken by Eddxer Valenzuela.
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/eddxer_edventure.ph?igsh=Ynk1Mng4c2oyMm83
