Autumn leaves

Japan’s most popular season for tourists is undoubtedly spring. When the cherry blossoms bloom, people from inside Japan and worldwide gather in popular, beautiful spots to bask in the traditional scenes of pinks, reds, and whites that form many of our preconceptions of Japan’s natural state. However, what is less known internationally is the second season of natural beauty in Japan: autumn. This is when this country’s mountainous forests burst aflame (figuratively speaking) into stunning reds, orange, and golds; easily rivaling spring for its dramatic majesty. What are Koyo and Momiji? While not particularly famed overseas, autumn is a significant time of the year for the Japanese. Thousands – if not millions – of people travel great distances to beautiful spots to observe, photograph, and bask in the glory of the changing colors. This pastime can take on two names: ‘koyo’ and ‘momiji.’ While both words use the same kanji characters (紅葉) that literally mean ‘red’ and ‘leaves,’ separated their different pronunciations take on alternative significance, with the former taken to mean the general act of viewing autumn leaves, while the latter (also known as ‘momijigari’) refers specifically to the enjoyment of the more dramatic maple leaves. Starting in mid-September…