Wolong Villa: The Tranquil Beauty Between Red Leaves and the Higokawa River

From October to November each year, Wolong Villa, located on the banks of the Higokawa River in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, welcomes its most poetic season. At this time, the maple and ginkgo trees surrounding the villa are dyed in rich red and yellow hues, complementing the elegant tea house architecture, as if stepping into a serene Edo-period landscape painting. Buildings such as Furoan and Wolong-in are cleverly integrated into the natural terrain, with the river visible just outside the windows, where autumn leaves are reflected on the water, creating a dreamlike scene. In the early morning, the valley is often shrouded in mist, adding a layer of mystery to the entire villa. Strolling along the stone paths, listening to the babbling river and the sound of falling leaves, one forgets the hustle and bustle of the world. This is also a perfect time to enjoy tea; sitting quietly in the tea house, feeling the aroma of wood and the essence of autumn in the air, it is a healing journey for both body and mind.