Of course it is Autumn.

But not all Autumns are equal, and the peak autumnal blush rises and falls across Japan at different times according to location and altitude.

You have to chase it.

Tokyo boasts the Icho Namiki or “Ginkgo Avenue” in the Meiji-jingu Gaien Park as a spectacular wash of gold foliage down both sides of the street.

Last year (at this exact time)it was just that. The autumn leaves only just outnumbered the throngs of people posing for that perfect status update, or piling up mid pedestrian crossing to get the money shot down the middle of the avenue.

But this visit, the peak has passed. Many of the trees have dumped their loads, and the remaining gold is a little on the anemic side. The experience was further diminished by the ever so slight, but persistent aroma of vomit. I know not why.

My presentation, therefore will be the stands of Ginkgo trees captured in the reflection of a vintage hot-rod car parked in the street. And yes, it’s black and white.