Countries and cultures - Holidays and traditions - Autumn leaf color - Traditions - Japan
What is autumn leaf viewing called in Japan?
Correct!
Momijigari (紅葉狩り) refers in Japan to deliberately going out to seek and admire colorful autumn leaves. The Japan National Tourism Organization describes the tradition as autumn foliage viewing, literally something like “hunting for autumn leaves”. The tradition goes far back: JNTO states that viewing autumn foliage has been known in Japan as a leisure activity since the 8th century. Maple trees in particular create strong red, orange and yellow tones in autumn. Momijigari is in a sense the autumn counterpart to hanami, when people especially view cherry blossoms in spring. Today many people travel specifically to mountains, temple gardens and parks to experience the autumn colors.
The Japanese tradition of viewing colorful autumn leaves is called Momijigari.
