Toba in Autumn

By Orie Iwasaki

Local in Toba

As the humidity fades and the air turns crisp, we locals head to the hills, savor the seasonal flavors, and dive into "Oktoba"—a month-long celebration that feels like a city-wide cultural festival. Here is how we love to spend our autumn in Toba.

1. October is "Oktoba" Month

We call October "Oktoba," a wordplay on "Oku" (deep) and "Toba," reflecting our desire for visitors to get to know the deeper side of our town. October 8th is celebrated as "Toba Day" (10 = To, 8 = Ba). Throughout the month, weekend markets featuring local eateries and various music events bring a festive atmosphere to the streets, making it the perfect time for casual city walking.

2. Perfect Autumn Hiking

Our local mountains are low in elevation and accessible, making them ideal for casual hiking.

• Views and Serenity: Enjoy a break at a mountain-top temple or take in the complex, jagged beauty of the ria coastline from an observation deck.

• Safety: There are no bears in the mountains of Ise-Shima. This allows us to walk and relax in the forests with complete peace of mind.

• Refreshment: The combination of dry, crisp air and light physical activity makes autumn the best time to experience our natural landscape.

3. Ise Lobster Season

October marks the lifting of the ban on Ise lobster (spiny lobster) fishing. While it is often associated with high-end dining, this season brings it much closer to our everyday tables, appearing at local markets and in the dinners served at traditional minshuku (guesthouses).

• Fresh Delights: Beyond the firm, sweet sashimi, our personal favorite way to enjoy it is in miso soup. The deep, savory stock drawn from the shells is the quintessential taste of a cool Toba morning.