Momijigari is a Japanese tradition of visiting areas where leaves have turned red in the autumn. Momiji refers to red leaves and gari means to hunt. (However, hunting in this term relates more to admiring than in its literal meaning.)
Despite travel restrictions, I believe that all travel enthusiasts should still travel with the aid of technology. Yes, it is not the same but we make do with the resources we are blessed with. So we should keep travelling digitally!
The Momiji season is coming to an end in mid-December, but here’s a recap of my recommended places for you to visit in the future (and enjoy virtually right now).
KYOTO
Gansenji Temple at Minami Yamashiro
Minami Yamashiro is a village southeast of Kyoto city and a lesser-known tourist attraction, making it the perfect place for you to explore. The village has gorgeous green tea fields and is known to be the major producer of green tea in Kyoto.
The Gansenji Temple located in the village is surrounded by amazing foliage, which turns crimson and gold in the fall. The name of the temple translates to 'Rock Boat Temple', which originated from a boat-shaped rock near the main entrance of the temple.
The temple has also earned the nickname ‘Temple of Flowers’ because the foliage surrounding the temple blooms seasonally with cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, water lilies and more throughout the year.
OSAKA
Minoo Park
Minoo Park is a forested valley located in the outskirts of Osaka and is one of the best places to visit during the fall season.
It has a hiking trail that extends about three kilometres through a valley alongside the Minoo River. If you are like me — I am not so much into hiking but have a major crush on waterfalls — you can still try to hike through the trail to reach the 33-metre Minoo Waterfall. It's the park’s main attraction and what sets it apart from other momigijaris out there.
