(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

Now that we’re in late autumn, Japan’s scenery has transformed. As the forests and mountains burst into colors of gold, fiery crimson and yellow, calling us to visit and enjoy their splendor, it’s time for momijigari.

Autumn leaves are called “Momiji” in Japanese. The tradition of momijigari is believed to have begun in the Heian Period (794-1185). Since then, countless deciduous broad-leaf trees have been planted in gardens and parks across Japan to facilitate this seasonal pastime.

As the name Momiji-gari, or fall foliage hunting, suggests, originally people enjoyed “koyo,” the reddening or coloring of leaves, by searching out the perfect specimen and collecting a sprig to admire its beauty up close.

On a beautiful afternoon in late November, my wife, daughter and I hit the road to a couple of Yokohama parks to enjoy our momijigari.

(Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi)

(Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi)

At Negishi Forest Park, near Negishi Housing Area, we saw the grassy park on gently rolling hills was already surrounded by vibrant autumn hues of gingko, maple and oak leaves.

The vast, 190,000-square-meter wide Yokohama park has a unique history – it was established as the largest racetrack in the East in 1866. Although the popular racetrack was closed in 1943 due to the war, it was reopened as a forest park in 1977.

Today, the park is considered a soothing walking spot with dogs or a great jogging area, offering different attractions in the four seasons. Actually, we always visit this park during cherry blossom season, as more than 350 cherry trees in full bloom in relatively less crowded and relaxing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, are a site to behold.

Walking along an oval-shaped promenade from the remains of the racetrack while taking in the beautiful open fields and forests of gingko trees, a large plum grove and a tiny pond, we realized the park was also a great autumn-leaf spot.

After getting our fill of photos at Negishi Forest Park, we then headed to Sankeien Garden to continue our momijigari.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

A 10-minute drive from the park, Sankeien, a traditional Japanese garden, is another ideal spot to unwind from your busy work schedule with an inviting atmosphere to enjoy autumn-leaf hunting.

The garden was built in 1906 by Japanese industrialist Hara Sankei. The riverside garden spreads 175,000 square meters, has a large pond and dozens of centuries-old buildings.

Some of the structures, including a samurai residence, pagoda and teahouses, have earned the garden a National Scenic Spot designation.

These buildings were relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, Shirakawago and other cities around Japan. Among the historic buildings at the garden, 10 are National Cultural Properties and three are Tangible Cultural Properties.

While strolling in the garden with such historical buildings, we enjoyed the overwhelming autumn foliage that matched well with the vintage buildings.

Geese in the pond seemed to be enjoying their peaceful surroundings as we continued our exploration among autumn leaves in the garden.

Both Negishi Forest Park and Sankeien Gardeen are must-visit autumn leave hot spots in the Kanto Plain.

The fall season doesn’t last long, so make plans to enjoy the beauty of this vibrant time before it’s too late!

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

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