Coming to Japan in the momiji season, visitors will feel the magic that autumn brings here. Momiji leaves will gradually change from green to yellow or bright red, creating an extremely romantic and attractive scene.
1. Learn about the meaning of Momiji
Momiji leaves will gradually change from green to yellow or bright red, creating an extremely romantic scene (Photo source: Collected)
When autumn comes, everywhere in Japan seems to be covered with a new coat of brilliant colors of momiji (red maple leaves). From narrow streets to ancient temples, from majestic high mountains to exquisite gardens, everything becomes more sparkling than ever. Momiji is the phenomenon of leaves changing color from green to yellow and red before falling in autumn (so people often call it the red leaf season). Momiji usually starts around September in the Daisetsuzan volcanic range (Hokkaido) and gradually spreads down to the south of Japan.
Momiji is not only a natural phenomenon but also a profound cultural symbol of Japan. It is associated with many traditional festivals, poems, and works of art. Japanese people often hold maple leaf viewing ceremonies, called "momijigari", to honor the beauty of nature and feel the flow of time. The red color of the maple leaves is like a small flame burning even the quiet corners of the street, creating an extremely romantic and warm scene. Each momiji leaf has its own shade, from dark red to bright orange, making the space lively and attractive. Photos taken under the canopy of momiji trees in autumn will be unforgettable memories for visitors.
The beauty of momiji only lasts for a short time, usually from mid-October to mid-November. Therefore, the Japanese cherish and enjoy these moments. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world flock to Japan to admire this beautiful scenery, creating a bustling and inspiring atmosphere.
2. Beautiful places to see red leaves in Japan
The autumn leaves travel in a wave of colour starting in the north (Hokkaido) and moving south to Kyushu and Okinawa. Late October onwards is when the whole of Japan starts to turn red, peaking around mid-November. Hiking is the best way to see the colourful leaves in the mountains, but many places are also conveniently accessible by train, bus or cable car.
2.1. Ancient capital Kyoto
There is no place like Kyoto to enjoy the fall foliage season. The ancient capital of Kyoto is one of the most ancient places in Japan, a place with beautiful scenery, so when the fall foliage season comes, this place is even more attractive from the mountains, temples and autumn festivals here.
Kyoto - the ancient capital of traditional Japanese features (Photo source: Collected)
Autumn foliage viewing schedule in the ancient capital of Kyoto
- Tofukuji Temple: Mid-November - Early December
- Tenryuji Temple: Late November - Mid-December
- Kiyomizu Temple: Mid November - Early December
2.2. Hokkaido
You may have heard of Hokkaido with its beautiful flower fields in the summer and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in the winter. But autumn is the best season to travel to Hokkaido. In autumn, Hokkaido is strangely charming, coming here, visitors will admire the extremely romantic scenery with an entire area covered in beautiful yellow and red leaves. In Hokkaido, red leaves appear from early September to early November and usually last for about 50 days.
Autumn leaves season at Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido, Japan (Source: Autumn leaves viewing schedule in Hokkaido:
- Daisetsuzan Park: Mid to late September
- Shiretoko Park: Mid to late October
- Eniwa Valley: October
2.3. Tokyo Capital
The yellow color dyes Tokyo University (Photo source: Collected)
In autumn, Tokyo is so splendid, the whole city is covered in yellow and red autumn leaves, the air is very fresh and cool. The maple leaves have gradually turned red, brightening the whole sky. The ginkgo flowers also turn bright yellow, and the yellow and red colors intertwine, creating beautiful color patches throughout the campuses and temples, making visitors amazed by the modernity and splendor of Tokyo in the red leaf season.
Autumn foliage viewing schedule in Tokyo
- Rikugien Garden: Late November - Early December
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: Late November - Early December
- Ueno Park: Mid November - Early December
2.4. Chubu
One of the most surprising places to visit during the fall foliage season in Japan is the Mount Fuji and Five Lakes region. The Chubu region is famous for Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes (Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko). Of these five lakes, Kawaguchiko is the easiest to get to and has the most attractions. In autumn, the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko are the perfect place to enjoy the fall foliage and the picturesque Mount Fuji.
Autumn foliage viewing schedule in Chubu region:
- Mount Fuji and Five Lakes: Late October - Mid November
- Lake Kawaguchi: November
- Danto Uratani: Late October - Early November
2.5. Lake Kawaguchi – Fujikawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko, a four-season landscape painting of Fuji Five Lakes (Photo source: Collected)
Lake Kawaguchi is a beautiful lake in Fujikawaguchiko town and is part of the Fuji Five Lakes system at the foot of Mount Fuji. It has the longest shoreline, the lowest absolute elevation, the second largest lake, and the third deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes. In the middle of the lake is a small island called Unoshima.
Today, Kawaguchi is a popular tourist destination because it is an ideal place to rest after the arduous journey of climbing and descending Mount Fuji. Each season, Lake Kawaguchi is blessed with different scenery. In spring, you can see cherry blossoms, in summer, you can see lavender, and in autumn, the whole area is immersed in the red color of maple leaves.
2.6. Korankei Valley – Toyota
It is a very popular place to see red leaves in autumn with more than 4,000 maple trees changing the whole space of the valley. From the end of October to the end of November is the ideal time for you to see the autumn colors in Korankei valley and enjoy the romantic space by the rows of maple trees with charming reddish brown color creating a beautiful natural picture.
In particular, every year in early November, the Koran-kei Momiji festival takes place, lasting about a month. During this time, maple trees will be hung with chandeliers. Tourists from all over flock here to immerse themselves in the mysterious space at night with the chandeliers shining on everything.
(The autumn leaf viewing time at each location may change due to weather factors. Please refer to the autumn leaf viewing schedule carefully to have a more complete journey to explore Japan).
Autumn in Japan is a combination of romantic beauty, a bit of coolness that pleases many people and nature creates the autumn beauty of Mount Fuji as a distinct shade but also extremely characteristic with the proud symbol of Japan. Let's create wonderful moments for your journey to Japan through the Momiji festival.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/phong-tuc-ngam-la-phong-momiji-nhat-ban-v15838.aspx
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