The Japanese Maple: Exploring The Meaning of Momiji in Japanese Culture & 5 Breathtaking Spots to View Them
Ayana Sasaki
From Yokohama
The Meaning of 紅葉/Momiji
The Two Readings of "紅葉 (Momiji / Koyo)"
The Japanese word 紅葉 can be read in two ways. Sometimes, the same kanji can carry different meanings depending on how it’s read - 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 widely distributed across the West. In places such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, many varieties have relatively large leaves, and they are typically appreciated as part of vast natural landscapes.
In contrast, Japan’s Momiji is characterized by its delicate, smaller leaves that turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow. When combined with the scenery of temples, gardens, and mountain villages, it creates a unique beauty that has long been admired, deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and aesthetics.
5 Famous Koyo Spots in Japan
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Togetsu Bridge / Photo AC
The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge with the surrounding mountains painted in autumn colors represents one of Japan’s most famous autumn landscapes.
Mount Yoshino, Nara
In Mount Yoshino / Photo AC
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 Ryuzu Falls and Kegon Falls, the winding Irohazaka Road create a breathtaking and spiritual atmosphere unique to this sacred mountain area.
Hakone, Kanagawa
Torii in Lake Ashi / Photo AC
A popular hot spring destination where visitors can enjoy autumn leaves along with views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido
Daisetsuzan National Park / Photo AC
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 Prefecture, momiji manju are maple leaf-shaped castella 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. It remains a symbol of Japan’s sensitivity to the seasons and sense of beauty, and continue to inspire both traditional design and modern fashion.
Illuminated Momiji
In recent years, the tradition of illuminating momiji at night has become increasingly popular. Temples and shrines in Kyoto and Nara, in particular, create enchanting scenes as their historic buildings and leaves are lit up together. Since the view offers a completely different atmosphere from the daytime, it has become a favorite attraction among visitors.
Japanese 紅葉 is more than just a natural phenomenon—it can be seen as an “art of autumn,” shaped by layers of history, culture, and aesthetic sensibility. The layers of history, culture, and aesthetic appreciation elevates it into a unique art form of autumn.
