Experiencing Japan’s Fiery Autumnal Foliage NYT | Top Stories By: Lisa Lucas and Noriko Hayashi 8 September 2025 at 21:45 “Momijigari” means hunting autumn leaves and people consult forecasts and follow predictions to find the most beautiful displays. This itinerary adds history and a sense of spirituality to the colors. © Noriko Hayashi for The New York TimesWhile Japan is known for its cherry blossom season, its fall foliage is also spectacular, with more than 1,000 varieties of maples alone.