Autumn Colors Report 2014 - Let's Go to Rikugien Gardens Full of Autumn Colors to Eat Delicious Dumplings!

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO-200)

I'm coming to Rikugien Gardens! This is one of the best gardens I've ever visited because of beautiful nature of each season, and because of delicious dumplings!

To tell the truth, I've been to the entrance of the gardens last Sunday. But I didn't go inside because hundreds of people were waiting in a row outside... The inside must be more crowded. I decided on that day to come again.

As I came here in the very early morning today, there were few people inside. Most of them were photographers holding heavy DSLRs. It was really a good decision to come today.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/80 sec, ISO-200)

As I passed the gate, some Japanese Maple trees welcomed me.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/200 sec, ISO-100)

The big weeping cherry tree has already lost its leaves. I really envy people who managed to see the autumn colors of this tree... This tree was really beautiful this spring.

Sakura at Rikugien Gardens

Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (74mm, f/4, 1/640 sec, ISO-100)

I arrived at the pond! Fine weather, vivid autumn colors, and well-arranged Japanese gardens. It is pretty comfortable to stay at Rikugien Gardens!

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/400 sec, ISO-100)

As I walked into the peripheries of the gardens, I found a nice waterside. It has a roof of autumn colors and leaves are flowing constantly. I spent some time getting the image I had created in my mind.

Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (200mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO-500)

The leaf is traveling on the surface of the water. The water itself reflects the various autumn colors. It must be pretty fun to go on a trip on this boat.

Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (200mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO-500)

Here's another shot. The technique of water reflection has a great possibility of fine art photography. I wanted to know this fact earlier because this autumn is about to end...

Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (70mm, f/2.8, 1/200 sec, ISO-200)

After enjoying the water reflection, I found a tea house surrounded by colorful leaves.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO-200)

The tea house is surrounded by a moat, too. As you see, the moat has a plenty of fallen leaves on its surface.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/60 sec, ISO-200)

So many colorful leaves are floating on the water that I stopped and took photos of them, too. The remaining water is reflecting the blue sky. The contrast of the blue color and the autumn colors are simply great.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO-200)

And, here it is! The autumn colors were great. But my main purpose is to eat the dumplings of Rikugien Gardens! It turned out today that there were two shops which sell dumplings. My favorite one is a temporary shop located near Ginka-tei traces.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/1.4, 1/500 sec, ISO-100)

They grill dumplings with charcoal.

Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF50mm F1.4 USM (50mm, f/4, 1/50 sec, ISO-100)

They offer dumplings with soy sauce or with miso sauce. It is elastic and sweet, and the sauces are great, too! I believe this is the best dumplings in Tokyo.

They say they sell dumplings only in the season of Sakura and autumn colors. The The Sakura season is usually from the end of March to the beginning of April. The autumn colors season is from the mid September to the beginning of December. So the next time will be from the end of March. You must go and try it!