The Importance of ‘Koyo’ and ‘Momijigari’ in Japan
Known as ‘koyo’ in Japanese, the yearly phenomenon of the changing autumn leaves holds special importance. Although the expression refers specially to red leaves, koyo has overtime come to encapsulate all the colours of autumn along with the national past-time of ‘momijigari’ or ‘hunting for autumn leaves’ through late-September until November. On this page you will also find the following information:
— The Importance of Autumn Leaves in Japanese Culture
— Best Autumn Leaves in Nagano
In many ways, appreciation of the autumn leaves is aligned the Japanese study and love of the fragile and ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms of spring. As such, people travel great distances to reach the most beautiful koyo spots, the most famous of which attract thousands of visitors. For this year’s forecast, see our ‘Autumn Leaves Forecast’ page.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPANESE CULTURE
Through the autumn months, the motif of the autumn leaves is everywhere; decorating everything from storefronts, kimono, gift wrappings, packaging, restaurants, beer cans and more! The bountiful autumn harvest supplies an endless supply of seasonal confectionaries, desserts and snacks as Japan embraces the leaves and their passing beauty.
In the past, Japanese engaged in a number of pastimes based around viewing natural phenomena, including activities such as cherry blossom viewing, snow viewing, firefly viewing, plum blossom viewing, moon viewing and more! Many of these are still practiced today, and each has their own special word. Cherry blossom viewing is famously known as ‘Hanami’ and today many people from around the world come to Japan to engage in this activity.
The practice of searching for and enjoying the best fall colors is, as described above, known as Momiji-gari. Literally meaning “hunting for maple leaves”, this word tells us two important things about the culture of Japan. One is the use of maple as a stand in for all fall colors (certainly the phrase momijigari does not imply that one will limit themselves to only maple trees), proving the overwhelming popularity maple trees have enjoyed for centuries in Japan. Second, the word “hunting” included indicates that this activity is a little more strenuous than its relative, cherry blossom viewing. Indeed, while cherry blossom viewing usually involves having a picnic under the blossoms, momijigari as an activity includes much more hiking and moving around, trying to find the very best of the seasons colors.
As a time of melancholy, the autumn season also fits in perfectly with the traditional Japanese aesthetic of ‘Wabi-sabi’. Favoring the impermanent and the fleeting beauty of reality, the autumn leaves which herald the end of the year before falling from the trees are a perfect match, and much artwork and poems have been produced praising them. Japanese gardens, eager to reproduce nature in a curated form, have also always been designed with a careful balance of trees in mind, including their colors in fall. Visiting Japan in autumn is a great introduction to the culture of the country and the emphasis it traditionally places on seasonal change.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN NAGANO
Within easy reach of Tokyo, Nagano and the surrounding prefectures making-up Central Japan are blessed with some of the country’s ‘koyo’ spots, thanks to the region’s mountainous character and cooler climate. Our ‘Autumn Leaves in Nagano’ page introduces some of our favorite spots and when the leaves are likely to be at their best.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN TOKYO
If you’re visiting Japan from abroad, chances are that you’ll be spending some time in Tokyo. For those heading there in autumn, the city’s parks turn-on a spectacular show of colour while other great ‘koyo’ spots are found within an hour or two of the capital. Our ’15 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In & Around Tokyo’ page lists the best options in city for enjoy in the leaves.
BEST AUTUMN LEAVES IN KYOTO
Japan’s ancient capital boasts many of the country’s most important temples and shrines. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the historic sites of Kyoto are at their most spectacular in autumn, when the surrounding gardens frame the buildings in exceptional beauty. Our ’10 Best Places To See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto’ page has our recommendation of some of the best spots in the city to seek-out the leaves.
JOIN A GUIDED AUTUMN TOUR
For visitors heading to Japan from late-September through November, some of our most popular group tours head to destinations known for their spectacular fall foliage. With a chance to see fall colors somewhere in Japan from September through December, there may be more opportunities than you think to enjoy the season to the fullest. Our ‘’Best Tours to See Autumn Leaves in Japan” page has details of the tours on offer in autumn including how to book with us!
