Momiji – Autumn Colors in Japan

The Kōyō (紅葉 koyo) is as it is known in Japan to the phenomenon that occurs in the leaves of many trees and shrubs to change the color of their leaves to shades of yellow, orange and red. This happens for a few weeks in the fall season (late September to late November)

You will probably hear people call this phenomenon “Momiji” and the difference is that ” Kōyō ” refers to the change of color in the leaves of any tree and Momiji refers specifically to the leaves of the Japanese maple.

Along with the Hanami , the contemplation of the cherry blossoms towards spring, the Momiji is an event that the Japanese carry out and that is very much within the Japanese culture. It’s the perfect combination of cool weather and stunning views that makes both fall and spring the most popular seasons to travel to Japan.

Where to see the Momiji

There are more than 700 spots throughout Japan where you can admire the changing color of the leaves. Many traditional gardens and parks display these fall colors and attract throngs of visitors eager to see the leaves change. If you are in Tokyo, you can visit Rikugien , a traditional Japanese garden with stunning autumn views.

You can also visit Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Mount Fuji , from where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji reflected in the calm waters of the lake, with reddish-hued trees dotting the shores and surrounding mountains.

With a host of internationally renowned temples and shrines, Kyoto is a perfect destination for autumn leaf viewing. Lots of gardens and temples, like Kiyomizudera Temple , offer what are arguably the most spectacular views of the season.

Two months of autumn colors

Autumn colors in Japan can be seen throughout the country for about two months, so you will certainly have time to visit and see these colors if you are traveling through Japan in the fall since the Momiji begins in the north of Japan, in the Hokkaido region usually around the second week of September to finish in the southernmost area of ​​Japan, the island of Okinawa during the second week of November.

Brief history of Koyo/Momiji contemplation

The custom of viewing autumn leaves in Japan dates back to the ancient Manyoshu poetry collection of the 8th century. Later examples of the contemplation of the changing color of leaves in autumn can also be seen in the 11th century classic text “The Tale of Genji” known as the world’s first novel. The Kokin Wakashu poetry collection, written in the Heian era, also includes many poems devoted to autumn leaves.

Over the centuries, koyo watching and momiji-gari or “hunting the momji” have become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Just as the cherry blossom is the symbol of spring, the momiji is the symbol of autumn in Japan.