Momijigari - Indian summer in Japan

In Japan, Indian summer begins in mid-September. The sky clears, temperatures drop to a pleasant level and nature shows its most beautiful side. It is not surprising that this time is also called «little spring». The vibrant colors of the leaves are the icing on the cake, making this time of year ideal for walks. Momijigari, «red leaf hunting», is the term used to describe trips to parks and forests to admire the splendor of the fiery-red autumn leaves. Each region of the country has certain places that are considered particularly rewarding.

Colorful autumn leaves? We have them too. But it is above all the bright red Japanese maple (momiji) that delights everyone in the fall. While just three species of maple are native to our country, there are over twenty in Japanese forests. For example, the palmate maple, which is popular with many gardeners due to its unmistakable red color, had long been native to Japan when the first specimens were exported to Europe in the 19th century. In addition, however, Japan generally has twice as much and much more diverse woodland, which also contributes to a greater variety of colors and more spectacular panoramas.

The Japanese tradition of momijigari originated during the Heian period at the imperial court in Kyoto, where the nobility would visit particularly beautiful places in autumn to admire the splendor of the autumn leaves. During the Edo period, momijigari also became very popular outside the aristocracy. Famous momijigari spots include Kyoto, the Oirasei Keiryu (a 14 km long mountain stream in Aomori Prefecture) and Nikkō. Basically, however, almost every region has certain places that are particularly suitable for a momijigari. Near Osaka, for example, it is the Minoh National Park, where a small waterfall is popular as an impressive background for momiji photos.

Even Japanese news programs take up the topic and report on the progress of the autumn leaf front. Like a red wave, it moves inexorably southwards from the northernmost main island of Hokkaido until it reaches even the most remote valleys on Kyūshū after three months. Everywhere, deciduous forests are transformed into dreamlike autumnal landscapes, and weather reports even provide real-time updates. But if you can't wait any longer, you can keep up to date with the latest autumn leaf sightings on special websites.