Reflecting on Why Japan’s Autumn Leaves Are So Beautiful During Their Peak in a Japanese Garden
On November 30, 2024, I visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a Japanese garden near Kagurazaka in Tokyo, and enjoyed its breathtaking autumn foliage at its peak. The weather that day was sunny and clear, making it perfect for admiring the vibrant colors of the season.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is hosting its annual autumn foliage event, "Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors)," from November 16 to December 8. With the weather forecast predicting sunny days until December 8, this is the perfect time to visit this beautiful Japanese garden in central Tokyo and immerse yourself in the seasonal splendor.
Discover the Charm of Edo Spinning Tops: A Traditional Performance by Lemon Mimasu
On November 30, two performances of the traditional Edo Spinning Top Show were held at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, featuring the renowned performer Lemon Mimasu. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the performance this time, but I have enjoyed her shows many times at Yose (traditional Japanese vaudeville theaters). If you have the chance, I highly recommend experiencing this fascinating traditional Japanese performance.
Why Leaves Turn Red: A Plant’s Simple Preparation for Winter
Since the autumn foliage is at its peak, let’s explore why leaves turn red in the first place. Simply put, this is part of a plant’s preparation for winter. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten in autumn, photosynthesis slows down, and plants conserve energy in the form of sugars. The green pigment, chlorophyll, which helps absorb light for photosynthesis, begins to break down. Chlorophyll reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green to the human eye.
The red color of autumn leaves, on the other hand, comes from a pigment called anthocyanin. Unlike chlorophyll, anthocyanin is not present in leaves during spring and summer. It is produced in autumn to act as a protective barrier, shielding the leaves from ultraviolet rays as photosynthesis decreases. As chlorophyll diminishes and anthocyanin accumulates, the leaves transition to a vivid red color.
Why Are Japan’s Autumn Leaves So Beautiful?
Why is Japan’s autumn foliage globally renowned for its beauty? The "Three Conditions for Beautiful Autumn Foliage" are often cited:
Sufficient sunlight.
Adequate humidity.
Significant temperature differences between day and night.
Japan’s abundant rainfall ensures high humidity levels, creating the perfect environment for vibrant foliage compared to other countries.
Additionally, Japan is home to a wide variety of deciduous trees, resulting in a rich palette of red, yellow, and orange hues. Among them, the Japanese maple (Iroha Momiji), known as Japanese maple in English, is the most iconic. Its vivid red leaves contribute significantly to Japan’s uniquely beautiful autumn landscapes.
Coming Next: Tsubaki, the 'Rose of Japan' with Cultural Ties to Geisha and Kagurazaka
Tomorrow, I’ll post a blog about Tsubaki (camellia), the flower that follows autumn leaves as the season transitions to winter. Elegant and radiant, the Tsubaki is often referred to as the "rose of Japan" and has deep cultural ties to the world of geisha and Kagurazaka. Stay tuned!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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