Have you ever seen Japanese Maple? It’s also called "Momiji" You can't miss if you coming Japan in Autumn
Sasaki
From Yokohama
What is Japanese Maple (紅葉)?
The Two Readings of "紅葉 (Momiji / Koyo)"
The Japanese word 紅葉 can be read in two ways. This dual meaning from the same kanji is one of the charming complexities of the Japanese language.
- Momiji: Refers mainly to the Japanese Maple tree or its leaves themselves.
- Koyo: Refers to the autumn scenery of trees turning red, orange, and yellow. It describes the landscape of mountains and gardens covered in vivid autumn colors. In English, it is usually translated as "autumn leaves" or "fall foliage."
In Japan, Momiji (Japanese Maple) has long been regarded as the symbol of autumn beauty and holds a special cultural significance.
How Japanese Maple Differs from Western Maples
Maple trees are also common in many Western countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and across Europe. These varieties often have larger leaves and are enjoyed as part of vast natural landscapes.
In contrast, Japanese Momiji are smaller and more delicate in shape, turning into a brilliant spectrum of red, orange, and yellow. When combined with temples, shrines, traditional gardens, or rural landscapes, they create a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. This connection between nature, culture, and beauty is what makes Japanese autumn scenery so distinctive.
5 Famous Koyo Spots in Japan
Arashiyama, Kyoto
The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge with the surrounding mountains painted in autumn colors represents one of Japan’s most famous autumn landscapes.
Mount Yoshino, Nara
Famous for cherry blossoms in spring, Yoshino becomes a sea of autumn leaves in fall, blending beautifully with historic temples.
Nikko, Tochigi
The colorful leaves around Kegon Falls and the winding Irohazaka Road create a breathtaking and spiritual atmosphere unique to this sacred mountain area.
Hakone, Kanagawa
A popular hot spring destination where visitors can enjoy autumn leaves along with views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido
The earliest place in Japan to see autumn leaves. From early September, alpine plants and maple trees color the northern mountains in a way unique to Hokkaido.
The Culture of Japanese Maple (Momiji) in Japan
Since ancient times, Japanese culture has celebrated the beauty of nature. Poems from the Heian period and even The Tale of Genji describe the charm of autumn leaves. Just as spring is associated with hanami (cherry blossom viewing), autumn has long been the season for momijigari (autumn leaf viewing). For aristocrats, samurai, and later common people, autumn leaves symbolized not just natural beauty but also the fleeting passage of time and life itself.
Momijigari – Autumn Leaf Viewing
The word momijigari literally means "maple hunting," but it does not involve picking leaves. Instead, it refers to the act of going out to admire autumn colors in mountains, gardens, or parks. Even today, many Japanese people make seasonal trips for this purpose.
Momiji Manju
A specialty of Miyajima in Hiroshima, momiji manju are maple leaf-shaped sponge cakes filled with sweet bean paste. They are a delicious way that the beauty of autumn leaves has been incorporated into Japanese food culture, and they remain a popular souvenir for visitors.
Momiji Patterns
The maple leaf motif has also been deeply integrated into Japanese arts and crafts. Momiji-gara (maple leaf patterns) appear on kimono, folding screens, and washi paper, symbolizing the elegance of autumn. The delicate leaf shapes and colors reflect the Japanese sense of seasonality and aesthetics, and continue to inspire both traditional design and modern fashion.
Illuminated Autumn Leaves
In recent years, night-time light-up events have become increasingly popular. Especially in Kyoto and Nara, temples and shrines glow at night as their autumn foliage is illuminated, creating a magical and dreamlike atmosphere. These events allow visitors to enjoy an entirely different expression of autumn beauty compared to the daytime.
