When autumn comes, Japan is home to dozens of tree species that turn red or yellow. Among them, the iconic representatives of autumn foliage are the Japanese maple, the Japanese red maple, and the ginkgo tree. While the term ‘紅葉’ (kouyou) signifies red leaves, the ginkgo’s golden hue is truly exceptional. Although it’s called ‘yellow,’ depending on the sunlight and wind, it can even become a golden shade. When ginkgo trees adorned in gold sway in the breeze, one might say the word ‘キラキラ’ (glittering) transforms from an onomatopoeia to a mimetic word.
The fact that countries where you can see autumn leaves are rare worldwide is not widely known. They are mainly found in coastal areas of East Asia, some parts of the Americas, and Europe. Furthermore, in countries other than Japan, you can usually only see one color – either ‘red’ or ‘yellow’ – in one place during autumn, whereas in Japan, you can witness the three colors of red and yellow from the autumn foliage and green from the evergreen trees all in one place. What’s more, the colors of autumn leaves in Japan are notably stunning. Additionally, you can enjoy autumn leaves in various variations and situations, not only in valleys and mountains but also within the precincts of temples and shrines adorned with colorful trees, by the lakeside surrounded by trees in various hues, or while soaking in open-air hot springs with a view of the autumn foliage. This unique variety of settings is something only Japan can offer. It’s no wonder that many foreigners who previously had no interest in autumn leaves transform into enthusiasts when they experience the beauty of Japanese autumn foliage.

秋になると紅や黄色に染まる樹木が日本には何十種類も存在しています。その中でも代表的な紅葉の木はモミジ・カエデ・イチョウでしょう。紅葉と書く様に、紅く色づく木が多い中で、イチョウの黄色は別格です。黄色とは言いますが、陽光や風の具合によっては、黄金色にもなります。黄金色に染まったイチョウが風に揺れると、キラキラと言う擬態語が擬音語にもなりそうです。そもそも紅葉が見られる国自体が世界的に珍しく、東アジアの沿岸部やアメリカ、ヨーロッパの一部でしか見られないと言うことはあまり知られていません。その上、日本以外の国では１カ所で見られる紅葉は「紅」か「黄色」の１色のみで、紅葉した木々の紅・黄色と常緑樹の緑、という３色が１カ所で見られるのは日本だけです。さらにその紅葉の色が日本が格段に美しいのです。さらにさらに、紅葉に染まるのは渓谷や山だけでなく、紅葉に彩られた神社やお寺の境内、色づいた木々に囲まれる湖畔、紅葉に染まる景色を見ながら浸かる露天風呂など、様々なバリエーションやシチュエーションで紅葉が楽しめるのが日本です。紅葉に全く関心がなかった多くの外国人が、紅葉愛好家に一変するのが分かります。