🍁The most complete guide to Japan's “紅葉狩り” | 2024 Best Maple Viewing Times & Places
00 min
Sep 28, 2024
Sep 28, 2024
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The two most beautiful seasons in Japan are the cherry blossom season and the red leaf season.
We are about to enter the season of “Maple Chasing” in Japan. Unlike the pure beauty of cherry blossoms, the watercolor red leaves blossom in the old and quiet temples and landscapes, which are intense and elegant.

📝 Why is it called “紅葉狩り”?

 
In Japan, maple-viewing is called “紅葉狩り”, pronounced “Momijigari”, a very old word that is recorded in the literary works “The Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves” and “The Tale of Genji”.
It is called “kari” because in Japan, the act of “going into the fields and mountains in search of seasonal favors” is called “kari. Examples of such activities are Shokan-kari (catching the sea), Kinoko-kari (picking mushrooms), and Hotaru-kari (catching fireflies).
 
In ancient Japan, there was also a word called [桜狩り], which means to go into the mountains and fields to see the natural wild cherry blossom trees. Therefore, [紅葉狩り] means to go among the mountains and fields to see the red leaves in the fall.

📎 Where does “紅葉狩り” come from?

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  • There are various theories about the origin of [紅葉狩り], one of which is the legend of “Oniyo Momohime,” which has been passed down from generation to generation in Bessho Onsen, Nagano Prefecture. During the Heian Period (794-1185), a beautiful woman named Kureha (later renamed Momohime) traveled with her family to Kyoto to work for Minamoto Norimoto's wife. She was favored by Minamoto Yoritomo and became pregnant with Minamoto Yoritomo's child, but at the same time Minamoto Yoritomo's wife fell ill, and it is believed that the cause was a curse on Kureha.
  • She was exiled to Onigiri (present-day northern Nagano Prefecture), but she could not part with her love for Kyoto and began raiding villages to raise money. Momiyo was known as “Onigashiro”, and she was ordered by the court to defeat Hira Koremochi. Heike Koremochi had been defeated by Momiyo's sorcery, but it is said that he succeeded in defeating her with the “Sword of Descent” given to him by an old priest. The story of “Momiyo the Oni” is a popular legend that is still played out in Kabuki and Noh plays.
  • It is said that the name “hunting” originated from the appearance of a nobleman who did not hunt. There is also a theory that the word “hunting” originated because the nobles thought it was vulgar to walk around at the time, so they used it as a metaphor for hunting, and also because they actually admired the fall foliage with their hands. Currently, autumn leaf-viewing is now a major fall event for the Japanese, but what is the history of its development?

🤗 Development of Red Leaf Viewing

“Autumn Leaves” and ‘Yellow Leaves (momichi)’ are mentioned in the ”Manyoshu.”
“Autumn Leaves” and ‘Yellow Leaves (momichi)’ are mentioned in the ‘Manyoshu,’ the oldest surviving collection of Japanese waka poems. This suggests that the appreciation of the red leaves has been practiced for about 1,200 years, and its beauty was known as early as the Nara period (710-794). However, during this period, leaf-viewing was not yet an established activity.
During the Heian Period (794-1185), the Heian nobles continued to enjoy various seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and wisteria, but viewing the red leaves was not a major activity.
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In the Heian Period, cherry blossoms and other flowers were planted in mansions, but people had to go to the mountains to enjoy the autumn colors, which was thought to be due to the fact that they could not enjoy them in their own surroundings.
In addition, although autumn colors are very attractive in modern times, there is a theory that people at that time felt impermanence (the shortness of life) in the red color of the autumn leaves and compared themselves to the loneliness of the upcoming winter and the falling leaves after they had fallen.
As a result, from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), people began to appreciate the red leaves in earnest. In fact, it is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi planned to hold a leaf-viewing event in Daigo one fall (but in the end, it did not happen).
In the Edo period (1603-1867), leaf-viewing became a popular pastime.
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In the Edo period, autumn leaf-viewing became popular among the general public
In the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868), autumn foliage viewing became popular among the general public, just as it is today. It was also during this period that tourism became popular among the general public, influenced by events such as the pilgrimage to Ise Jingu Shrine and the Kumano Mode (pilgrimage to Mount Kumano).
Books such as “Miyako Meisho-zu-ai” (Miyako Meisho-zu-ai), which introduced famous sightseeing spots, contributed to the popularity of travel. When these guidebooks introduced places famous for their red leaves, people immediately flocked to them.
There is also a saying that people put up curtains under the trees and bring their own lunchboxes and sake to enjoy the leaves.
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This type of red leaf viewing mirrors modern activities such as cherry blossom viewing, which in the Edo period was based on the idea of appreciating autumn colors without regard to religious beliefs.
In modern leaf-viewing, people enjoy the bright red leaves while savoring the taste of autumn. From these facts, it can be inferred that a form of red leaf viewing similar to the modern one was practiced in the Edo period.

🤗 Red Leaf Viewing Schedule

Japan's autumn foliage begins in the colder regions, so the leaf-viewing season changes in order from north to south.
In general, the best time to view the autumn leaves tends to be earlier in the fall (September to November) when temperatures are cooler, and later when temperatures are higher.
This year, however, the heat is expected to last until September, so nationwide the fall foliage will appear later and change color more slowly than in previous years. Below is a summary of the best time to enjoy the leaves in each region as follows:
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The best time to see the leaves in Hokkaido is expected to be later than usual, from late September to late October. Areas with early foliage: Daisetsuzan and Laminar Gorge Areas with late foliage: Sapporo City
The best time to see the foliage in the Tohoku region is expected to be later than usual, from mid-October to late November. Areas with early foliage: Mt. Yakata, Oirase Stream Areas with late foliage: Matsushima and Lake Towada
The best time to see the foliage in the Kanto region is expected to be the same as usual or a little later, from mid-November to mid-December. Areas with early foliage: Nikko, Otama Areas with late foliage: Tokyo Metropolis, Kamakura
The best foliage viewing time in the Chubu region is expected to be the same as usual or later than usual, from early November to early December. Areas with early foliage: Kamikochi and Shirakawago Areas with late foliage: Nagoya City, Izu
The best time to see the foliage in the Kinki region is expected to be around mid-November to early December. Areas with early foliage: Odaibara, Yoshinoyama Areas with late foliage: Kyoto City, Osaka City
The best time to see the foliage in Chugoku is expected to be roughly the same as in previous years, i.e. from early to late November. Areas with early foliage: Tottori Dunes, Daisen Areas with late foliage: Hiroshima City, Kintaikyo Bridge
The best time to see the foliage in the Shikoku area is expected to be around mid-November to early December. Areas with early foliage: Kenzan and Zugu Valley Areas with late foliage: Takamatsu City, Matsuyama City
The best foliage viewing time in the Kyushu area is expected to be around mid-November to mid-December. Areas with early foliage: Mt. Aso, Kuji Mountain Area Areas with late foliage: Fukuoka City, Nagasaki City
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🤗 Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan

Best time of year to view: Early to late September
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The earliest autumn in Japan begins at Daisetsuzan with the brightly colored leaves of alpine plants growing in the alpine zone at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Take the ropeway up to the top of the mountain to get a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and from there you can enjoy a magnificent view.

Sapporo

Best time of year for viewing: Mid to late October
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Sapporo is the representative city of Hokkaido. It is a metropolis consisting of 10 administrative districts with an orderly grid-like division of the cityscape. There are many sightseeing spots such as the Clock Tower, and when the city turns into fall foliage, it is super beautiful.

Jingshanxi Hot Spring

Best time of year for viewing: mid to late October
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This hot spring resort was opened about 140 years ago by a monk named Mizumi Dingsan, and is also known as “Sapporo's inner sanctum”. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is one of Japan's maple-viewing spots, and you can enjoy the gorgeous red leaves as you stroll along the onsen street.

🤗 Tohoku, Japan

Oirase Stream/Aomori Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Mid to late October
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The Oirase Stream originates from Lake Towada and flows clear through the dense forest. The wet landscape and countless waterfalls show us the depth of the beauty created by nature. In the fall, you can enjoy the dynamic beauty of the mountain stream and the harmony of the red leaves.

Shirakami Mountain Area/Aomori Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Mid to late October
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This pristine beech forest is said to be one of the largest in the world, stretching from southwestern Aomori Prefecture to northwestern Akita Prefecture. The area was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1993, and at this time of year the leaves turn red and you can take a walk through the forest.

Yakata Mountain Range/Aomori Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Mid-October to late October
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One of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, the Hakkoda Mountains are covered with virgin beech forests. In the fall, the entire Hakkoda mountain range turns a fiery red color, presenting a brilliant brocade. From the giant cable car that connects the foot of the mountain to the summit, you can enjoy a lavish view of the red leaves spread out directly below.

🤗 Kantō region of Japan

Nikko/Tochigi Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Late September to mid-November
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In mid-September, the Shibatsuyama flower fields begin to lose their leaves, and in late September, the wetlands turn golden yellow and the rowan and astragalus rhododendrons turn red. Next, the leaves of poison ivy, which is entwined with trees in the forest, turn bright red, and the appearance of beech, maple, and birch trees change from red to yellow.

Kamakura/Kanagawa Prefecture

Best time of year to see: Mid-November to mid-December
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The autumn foliage of the ancient capital of Kamakura can be viewed from a variety of perspectives, including the gardens of Kamakura-era temples and shrines, as well as the natural colors that surround the city on three sides. The best viewing period for some spots is around December, so you can enjoy the leaves for a long time.

Hakone/Kanagawa Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Late October to mid-November
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Hakone is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area and is a place where you can enjoy nature and hot springs. Many people come here every year to enjoy the red leaves. Another attraction of Hakone is that if you are tired of seeing the red leaves, you can take a hot spring bath to cure the fatigue of traveling.

🤗 Central/Hokuriku region

Kahiraki/Aichi Prefecture

Best time of the year: Mid-November to late November
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Known as a foliage destination in the Tokai region, Hyangran-gye is said to have originated in 1634 (the 11th year of the Kan-ei era), when the monk Minorie of Heungsaku-ji Temple planted maple trees along the road leading to the temple in Bachon. Currently, there are about 4,000 trees in the area, and the way the leaves turn red is mesmerizing.

Yagatake/Nagano/Yamanashi Prefectures

Best time of the year: Late October to early November
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Yatsugatake is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, straddling Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures. Yatsugatake is the best place in Yamanashi Prefecture to see the red leaves, which begin to change color around the beginning of October. If you drive along the Yatsugatake Highland Route, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

🤗 Kansai region, Japan

Kyoto

Best time of year to see: Mid-November to early December
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Kyoto is one of the oldest capital cities in the world. Kyoto boasts many famous attractions during the foliage season and is a popular tourist destination visited by many tourists from both inside and outside of Japan. In autumn, the ancient capital becomes even more beautiful, and the sight of Kyoto city covered in autumn leaves is breathtakingly beautiful.

Kouto Miyama/Shiga Prefecture

Best time of the year to see the area: Mid-November to late November
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There are three famous temples at the foot of Mt. Suzuka: Seomyoji Temple, Gimnyeongsa Temple, and Baekje Temple. These are collectively known as the “Koto Sanzan”. It is said to be one of the three major foliage spots in the Kansai region, where colorful maple leaves adorn the gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Japan's four seasons.

🤗 Chugoku/Shikoku Area

Kansai Kei/Kagawa Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Early to late November
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One of the most beautiful spots on Kodo Island overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Autumn foliage tints the valley with beautiful colors, and the valley is lined with rocks that have been eroded by wind and rain and are oddly shaped. You can also enjoy the magnificent view from the ropeway that passes through the steep rock face.

Zugu Onsen/Tokushima Prefecture

Best time of year for viewing: Early to mid-November
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It is also known as one of Japan's three secret hot springs and the place where the legend of the escape of the Heike family is said to be told, where the Heike clan fled the war and bathed. The majestic valley is painted in vibrant colors during the leaf season.

🤗 Kyushu region

Fukamaxi/Oita Prefecture

Best time of year: Late October to mid-November
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Yama-kei is one of the best places in Kyushu to enjoy the red leaves with its strange peaks and rocks. It consists of four areas: Honyama-kei, Satoyama-kei, Shinyama-kei and Okuyama-kei. Among them, Fukuyama-kei is dotted with famous foliage spots such as “Hitomi Hakkei,” “Hoba Valley,” and “Kanumo Gorge.”

Akizuki Castle Ruins/Fukuoka Prefecture

Best time of the year: Late November to early December
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Built in the 3rd year of Kenjin, it is one of the most famous spots for leaf-peeping in Fukuoka and is loved by many. Known as the Little Kyoto of Chikuzen, it retains the atmosphere of a castle town. The contrast between the Japanese maple trees around the black gate of the Akizuki Castle ruins and the black gate is particularly beautiful.

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