Autumn in Japan: The Cultural Meaning of Kōyō (紅葉) & Momijigari
Japan’s autumn is a centuries-old cultural practice of noticing change, making time for beauty, and gathering to share it. Locals call the turning leaves kōyō (literally “red/yellow leaves”), and the act of going out to admire them momijigari; “maple-leaf hunting.” Both are rooted in courtly habits that eventually became a nationwide pastime. What is Kōyō…