Joyama Satoyama Walk: a "Twilight Hike" to enjoy autumn in Oiso, from a pottery experience to the autumn leaves light-up

Oiso Joyama Park, once a villa of the Mitsui zaibatsu, will again hold its annual autumn leaves light-up this year. Before the light-up, why not explore the surrounding satoyama countryside with a guide? We set off at 2:30 pm from in front of the park's South Gate and walk the gentle Oiso Hills, where the Pacific Ocean can be seen beyond the pine woods, enjoying a search for autumn plants along the way. On the way you can also paint a chopstick rest at the Studio oiso, the pottery studio of Okamura-san, who is also popular at "Oiso Utsuwa no Hi" (Oiso Tableware Day). After gazing at Mt. Fuji in the evening glow, we return to the park and disband at the West Gate at around 5 pm, and you are free to enjoy the autumn leaves light-up (free admission, gates close at 8 pm). For details and to apply, see the Oiso Guide Association website (applications close November 21). The fee, including the pottery experience, is 1,800 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for junior high school students and younger, paid on the day. Check-in on the day from 14:15 at the South Gate "Deai no Hiroba" of Oiso Joyama Park. From JR Oiso Station take the bus for 6 minutes and get off at "Joyama Koen-mae"; the stop is a 2-minute walk away. Paid parking is available at the park.