In the traditional Japanese koyomi almanac, Nov 7th is set as the Ritto or official start of winter. But here in the warm southern Kanto the actual season lags about a month or so beyond this date, and fall colors and fruits can be enjoyed until early December. Among the many trees that change their leaf colors the katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is among the most kawaii. These trees are most at home along valleys in the high mountains, but in the southern Kanto are occasionally planted as street and park trees.
Three katsura trees can be enjoyed along the southern side of the main divided road that runs south of the station; and a few more on the walking path just east of the park. ３本のカツラの街路樹は、駅の南を走る広い道路の南側で出会える。また、北総花の丘公園と原山中の間の遊歩道にも２～３本生えている。 カツラの葉をよく探せば、完璧なハート型のものも見つかる。めっちゃ可愛い！葉は直径５～６cmで, 縁には丸い鋸歯（きょし）が並ぶ。黄色く紅葉した落ち葉は甘い香りを放つと言われている。 The katsura leaf is about 5-6 cm in diameter, with small, rounded teeth along the edges. A little searching will usually produce a perfect cho-kawaii heart-shape. The leaves turn yellow in late autumn, and are said to smell like caramel. 東北のブナ林では、カツラが大木に成長し、幹の基部から多数のひこばえを出す。写真は栗駒山の新湯温泉（宮城県）。果実は長さ１～２ｃｍであまり目立たず、ミニバナナを思わせる。 In the beech forests of Tohoku katsura trees often grow to immense size, and send up dozens of thin shoots from the base of the trunk. Photo at Mt. Kurikoma along the border between Miyagi and Iwate Prefecture. Katsura fruits are only 1-2cm long, and look like miniature bananas
