This year's long summer has ended, and Naoshima has a calm, clear autumn sky in November, making the days very pleasant.

I was also able to see the recent near-total lunar eclipse very beautifully.

The mountains display beautiful autumn foliage, and it seems everyone is enjoying the "artistic autumn" as they tour the island at their leisure.

The large ginkgo tree has also beautifully colored, and autumn has fully arrived.

The Hachiman Shrine torii gate is designated as a tangible cultural property of Kagawa Prefecture. Its official name is the Myōjin torii gate, built at the entrance to the Hachiman Shrine's approach. It stands 385 cm tall, with pillars 50 cm in diameter. This solid torii gate is made of granite from Naoshima, and its imposing presence is characteristic of the Momoyama to early Edo period style.

When I asked someone knowledgeable about the island's history, they told me that it's rare for the top part of a torii gate, called the *kasagi* and *shimaki*, to have no seams, and that it appears to have been carved from a single rock. They also mentioned that if you look at it from the side, it resembles the shape of a house. If you happen to pass by, you should definitely check it out.

Winter is just around the corner. Please enjoy Naoshima through the seasons as well.