Autumn color in Takayama

When autumn comes, the heat subsides and the mountains and streets in Japan awaken into beautiful colors. 'Koyo<>' in Japanese literally means 'red leaf or leaves', but is widely used to describe both the autumn color changes of deciduous trees and the leaves themselves. In autumn, Japanese maple is famous for its red leaves, but you can also enjoy the yellow leaves of ginkgo and beech trees.

With Japan stretching long north to south, autumn hues start in Hokkaido and like a gentle wave gradually move southward. The most beautiful leaves in Japan are in late autumn: September to October in Hokkaido, October to November in the Tohoku region, and November to early December elsewhere. In mountain areas, though, since temperatures drop earlier, autumn colors peak a bit sooner.

Enjoying trees awash in beautiful colors is called 'momiji-gari<>' in Japan. 'Kari (gari)<>' usually means 'hunting' or 'gathering', but here it means appreciating leaves vibrant with autumn hues ('koyo').

Viewing autumn leaves has a long history in Japan. Poems and stories about it are in the 'Manyoshu<>' and 'Genji Monogatari<>', both major Japanese classics. Though the Heian period of these classics saw mainly nobility taking pleasure watching the beautiful leaves, the Edo period saw common people begin enjoying it, too. In the Meiji era, the tradition of going on trips to see gorgeous autumn hues took root. Today, many in Japan travel in autumn, with the season frequently referred to as the best season for outings.

Maple leaves changing red color

Three things are needed for leaves to display beautiful hues: temperature, sunshine, and water. The most important is temperature. Larger day-night temperature differences bring more beautiful leaves. The best conditions for beautiful autumn leaves are sudden cooling down at night, continued good weather, low rainfall and dry air and ground. With these conditions present, leaves change their colors in fascinating ways.

As the hot and humid summer rolls into autumn, temperature and humidity gradually go down. This climate change creates the beautiful colors.

Red Maple tree in autumn

Along with maple, synonymous with colored leaves in autumn, mountain ash, sumac and wax trees also transform into vivid reds. Mountain ashes are found near high mountain summits or along Hokkaido streets, while wax trees, sumacs (including poison ivies and Japanese sumacs), and enkianthus are found around mountain villages. Beautiful leaves are found in urban areas, as well: cherry trees, persimmon trees, nandina, and wild grapes show off their beautiful red leaves in gardens of residential homes and parks.

Ginkgo tree in autumn

Beautiful yellow leaves are found in the beech forest in the Shirakami mountains, a World Heritage site. Also, white birches are found in plateau areas, while katsura trees and spicebushes are seen in mountain areas. In cities, ginkgo trees and tulip trees show their beauty on the grounds of Buddhist temples or along streets, reflecting the golden sunshine of another autumn day.