Japan's Seasons In Photos - November: Fall Colors

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November is the month when the fall foliage is at its most beautiful. It is the season of fall foliage festivals, garden illuminations, and fall-inspired cuisine. This article introduces the features of the season through pictures.

Written by

Monami I

フォトグラファー。フィルム・デジタル両方で、日本の季節を切り取るのが好き。たまに旅に出ます。
Photographer. I like to capture Japan's seasons on film and digital photos. Sometimes traveling.
https://www.instagram.com/and_mona/

November is the last fall month and coincides with the season of fall foliage. In most regions of Japan, this is the month of fall festivals. The locals crowd in parks and temple gardens to marvel at the splendid colors of the fall.

Find out the best fall foliage spots with our special feature on Fall Colors in Japan.

Fall Foliage in Japan

Fall foliage is celebrated in Japan with the same expectation and intensity as cherry blossoms. The scenery changes dramatically due to the leaves changing color.

From bright yellow to beautiful hues of orange and fiery red, there is a surprisingly wide palette of colors taking over the surroundings. Among all trees, the maple, with its beautiful red leaves, is the most highly regarded.

On days with clear weather, sunlight is filtered by the semi-transparent leaves. Such magical scenery leaves us in awe at the beauty of nature.

Fall Foliage Illuminations

One of the highlights of the season are the fall foliage illumination events held at public gardens and temples. Light projected onto the fall leaves creates a dreamlike scenery that is worth looking forward to every year.

Pictured above is the fall foliage illumination event held at Rikugien Garden in Tokyo. The still water of the pond reflects the scenery making it look as if there were another world under the water mirror.

The stone lanterns, the moss, and all the other elements that make up a Japanese garden make the fall foliage stand out even more.

Soon after reaching the peak of color brightness, the fall leaves start scattering. They can be enjoyed for only about one week or two. This again makes them similar to cherry blossoms, which also scatter very soon.

In other words, don't miss the chance to enjoy the fall colors! Do join a fall foliage festival if you visit Japan in November.

Rikugien Garden

113-0021 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Rikugien Garden is one of the most famous Japanese gardens. This garden was built in 1702 and covers a vast area of approximately 8.9 hect...

A Feast for the Eyes! Fall Foliage-Inspired Sweets

Japanese cuisine and confectionery is well-known for its consideration toward the seasons. In traditional cuisine, every dish reflects the features and flavors of the current season.

Fall foliage is celebrated not only through festivals and illuminations but also through gorgeous dishes that reflect the fall colors.

Fall-themed sweets can be found everywhere in November, from specialized confectionery shops to regular supermarkets. If you spot them, take the chance to enjoy these small works of art that embody the locals' consideration toward nature and its seasons.

Read also

Photos by Monami I
Text by Ramona

Written by

Monami I

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