Fall quickly turned to winter. Earmuffs, scarf, and gloves are daily essentials. Frost glitters on the blades of grass in the morning. (That’s about as poetic as I get). But unlike Humboldt, the winters here are dry. It may be cold, but it’s sunny. None of those drizzly, rainy winter blues.

And suddenly, holiday lights are everywhere. Dazzling lit up trees line the streets, and twinkling lights illuminate the front of department stores and hotels. The holiday season in Japan isn’t cheesy with fake Santas, candy canes, and reindeer. Instead, it’s elegant and beautiful.

A main attraction is the “Illuminarie” in Kobe. Giant illuminated arches span the street leading to an illuminated display of what seems to be a cathedral. The viewing is free, and they only ask for a ￥100 /$1 donation, the proceeds of which (I believe) go to the Tohoku earthquake disaster area.