Why were people at Kinsenkyo Gorge using umbrellas on such a refreshingly clear autumn day? Autumn has arrived at Kinsenkyo Gorge in the town of Takinoue, located in Eastern Hokkaido’s Okhotsk region, and a nature watching event was held there on October 9. Eighty participants enjoyed the colorful gorge, holding umbrellas to maintain distance from each other as a COVID-19 transmission prevention measure.

The Takinoue Tourist Association holds this event every year under the name “Autumn! Let’s Walk!! Kinsenkyo”. Since last year, participants are required to use umbrellas as a COVID-19 pandemic precaution.

Participants enjoyed a leisurely 4.2-kilometer stroll along a path adjacent to the clear stream while listening to explanations from a local guide. Partially due to the scorching heat of summer this year, the progress of autumn coloring varies a bit depending on the spot, but participants exuberantly captured numerous shots of wonderful scenes such as reddening mountain maple leaves.

A woman visiting from Asahikawa said with a smile, “The weather is wonderful, and this is such a happy feeling. This refreshing scenery washes fatigue away.”