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Just as how the Japanese enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in the spring, the changing colour
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of the Autumn leaves, known as Koyo, is an event that draws crowds all across Japan.
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Today we’re in Kyushu’s least touristy prefecture, Saga, at Kunenan, a historical
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Japanese residence that only opens it’s doors to the public for 9 days in November,
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to allow visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage.
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The Kunen-an residence was originally owned by a wealthy business man in the early 1900s,
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and gets it’s name from the fact that it took 9 years to build the majestic garden
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that draws visitors, even to this day.
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Now, Saga Prefecture owns and preserves the land, citing it an important cultural asset
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to Saga Prefecture.
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Visitors are welcome to roam the garden of the residence, and take a look inside the
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traditional structure, admiring the sturdy construction of the straw thatched roof, the
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mud walls, and the bamboo lattices.
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All while enjoying the rich natural colours of the autumn garden.
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The site is so well preserved that walking through it, you almost feel as if you’ve
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been transported back in time, or you’re on a movie set of some kind.
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Either way, it feels absolutely surreal to be there in person.
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The tradition of autumn leaf viewing dates back to the Heian period, over 1000 years
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ago, when the nobles would go on excursions to the mountains, and gather coloured leaves.
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Now, autumn leaf viewing is an event enjoyed by families, friends, and couples, with popular
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sites often holding fall festivals to coincide with the changing colours.
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Shrines and temples are often popular places to visit as well, the beautiful nature is
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often interpreted as a sign that the gods at the shrine are showing their presence.
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I always took the autumn leaves for granted when I lived in Canada, funny considering
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our flag is the red maple leaf.
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One of the things I love about Japan is their sensitivity to the changing seasons, and their
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appreciation for nature.
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Learning to appreciate nature’s beauty helped me recognise the natural beauty in my home
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country as well.
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Another popular way to enjoy the changing autumn leaves in Japan, is by illumination
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after dark.
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During the peak color-changing season, some shrines and temples will light up the autumn
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leaves, creating allowing them to glow vividly against the night sky.
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We decided to visit Daikouzenji, in Saga Prefecture, a shrine where visitors can light spiritual
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candles and pray for safety of their home and loved ones.
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Daikouzenji is built on a hill, making it a prime spot for autumn leaf viewing.
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It’s also home to a luscious botanical garden, all of which is illuminated by bright lights
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after sundown, creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere that’s very popular with couples.
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A popular fall festival dish, and one I wholeheartedly recommend, is zenzai.
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A sweet red bean soup, with chewy balls of mochi rice cake
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in it.
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Fall is not a busy season for tourism in Japan, so flights are usually much cheaper during
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this time of year, but if you time your trip right, you will be rewarded with some of the
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most gorgeous scenery Japan has to offer.
