Loving November in Tokyo II: Autumn colors「紅葉」

In Japanese,「紅葉」can be read as koyo autumn colors or momiji maple tree. Koyo is to fall what hanami is to spring. A celebration of beauty, as well as a reflection on its volatility.



Maple tress are my favorite.

Red leaves are like cherry blossom (sakura). A materialization of the mono no aware (物の哀れ). Literally "the pathos of things", also translated as"a sensitivity to ephemera", is a Japanese term used to describe the awareness of impermanence (無常 mujō), or the transience of things, and a gentle sadness (or wistfulness) at their passing.

Just like with the hanami, certain spots in Tokyo as well as throughout the country (Nagano, Hiroshima, Kyoto) get crowded.

Today, we visited Icho Namiki, near Jingu-Gaien (Gaienmae Station), which is said to be the main koyo spot in town. It was a bit disappointing, as there were only ginkgo trees. With very beautiful yellow leaves, but no variety (which is what I really like about the fall, the tone-over-tone).

Ginkgo is the tree of Tokyo. Hence the popularity. At the end of the avenue, there are stalls selling seasonal products (e.g. roasted sweet potato) from all over Japan. We were on wheels, so we didn't come close.

After Jingu-Gaien, we walked to Jingu-Mae which is more of our territory. 

Yoyogi Park is packed with all the colors you'd expect and less of an annoying crowd. That's the beauty of it. To be able to meet a mixof the Japanese Society in a spot, just like the degradé along the trees.

Wedding in Meiji-Jingu. Traditional umbrella, as red as the maple leaves.



Look at me mum, I'm riding like a kid.



That's the mix.





As usual, no photoshop used in any of these pictures.



Some ginkgo also in here. No crowd. Much better.



Maple trees, too. Against green, brown & sky blue. Really dreamy.



Ah. If I could chose only one place in Tokyo, that would certainly be Shibuya.