Momijigari, 紅葉狩り

The Japanese have a custom to make a trip to hills and valleys to appreciate autumn foliage in the fall. This is called “Momijigari”. You may have heard of this term and it is translated to “going leaf-peeping" or “autumn leaves viewing” in English. The direct translation of Momijigari, however, is “Red leaves hunting”.

Events, Fall, Japanese CultureYukari YamanoOctober 7, 2021red leaves, maple viewing, momiji, fall, fall color, momijigari, Japanese Culture, Maple

The Fruits of Autumn in the Seattle Japanese Garden

With their brilliant fall colors, maples are the stars of autumn. All too often overlooked are the Garden’s lesser-known trees and shrubs—and their fall displays of attractive, charming, and unusual fruits.

Fall, In the Garden, Japanese Garden Design, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedySeptember 27, 2021Autumn

The Seattle Japanese Garden Then and Now, Part Three: The Maple Collection

This is the third in a series of three articles about the Garden’s plant collections, and how they have changed over time. This month, Sue Clark focuses on the Maple collection.

Maple trees are placed in a Japanese garden for various purposes. Among the most important ones are to frame an attractive view or to hide an undesirable one; to filter the western sun or provide shade for a special plant; or to give a beautiful reflection in water.

The performances and poetry of Moon Viewing 2021

Despite cloudy skies, Moon Viewing 2021 was a huge success! Enjoy this collection of photos and haiku poetry from both nights of the event.

Events, Fall, In the Garden, HaikuChie IidaSeptember 17, 2021moon viewing

Full Kaleidoscope Series Now Available on YouTube!

Thank you everyone for attending and making our Kaleidoscope virtual series a success! Each of the four webinars were attended by many viewers from our community. You can now enjoy them all on our YouTube page!

'Samidare' Japanese Maple Has Beautiful Fall Leaves, Colored Like Stained Glass

Acer palmatum ‘Samidare’ is a Japanese maple notable for its uniquely beautiful fall color. Green-leaved in summer, it comes alive in autumn, with striking foliage variations of patterning and color – intricate blends of gold, crimson and purple.

Fall, Garden History, In the Garden, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyOctober 14, 2020Maple, Fall Color, Trees

The Essential Reading list for Fall 2018

Called dokusho no aki in Japanese, the colder days and longer nights of fall beckon us to read. Blog contributor Corinne Kennedy has compiled a list of 11 mostly fiction titles. Ten are English translations of works by Japanese writers.

Fall, Japanese CultureCorinne KennedyNovember 1, 2018

Gingko's Story, Part One: A "Living Fossil"

Also known as maidenhair tree, Ginkbo biloba is a unique survivor from prehistoric times.

Fall, In the Garden, Plants and BloomsChie IidaOctober 10, 2018Autumn, Fall Color, Trees, Gingko