Have you enjoyed the “Leaf peeping”?
Whenever seeing the beautiful autumn leaves, I admire the beautiful view of nature.
Japanese express Leaf peeping as “hunting the autumn leaves”. I start wondering why hunting…?
I checked its background and how to enjoy Japanese style of “Leaf peepin”
History of Leaf peeping in Japan
The word of “autumn foliage” is used in the oldest Japanese poet, called Manyo-shu; so that we presume that Leaf peeping exist from about 1200 years ago. However, they just enjoyed the view of autumn foliage.
During Heian period (794 – 1185), the aristocracy composed a poem by using word of autumn foliage, but they did not go to the mountain to see the autumn leaf coloration.
During Edo period (1603- 1867), “Hunting the autumn leaves (Leaf peeping)” becomes popular among average people. The people took an excursion to find beautiful view of nature in autumn foliage, and this becomes autumn event.
Similar to cherry blossom party, they enjoyed autumn foliage by eating food and drinking tea and alcohol outside.
Today’s Japanese style of leaf peeping is created from Edo period.
Why we use the word, “Hunting”, for the leaf peeping?
“Hunt” means originally to catch the beasts, small animals and wild birds. As time goes by, Japanese start using “Hunt” to catch fruits as well.
The word of “Hunting the autumn leaves” is used from Heian period (794 -1185). The aristocracy consider walking in the mountain as ungentlemanly action. Therefore, they went to the mountain to cut the tree and appreciated the colored leaf at hand. Since they actually “hunt” the autumn leaf, we start calling it as “Hunting the autumn leaves”.
How to enjoy Hunting the autumn leaves (Leaf peeping) in Japan
1. Appreciate the fall foliage
The best way for enjoy leaf peeping is to go to the area to see the fall foliage closely.
There are a lot of many varied spots to see the autumn leaf, such as mountain, waterfall, valley, temple, shrine, and tree-lined avenue in town. They have their own beauty and impressions are different; so that I recommend go to several spots.
2. View the autumn leaf over eating autumn foods
You can find many kinds of great autumn foods, so that it is also good idea to view the autumn leaf overeating autumn foods. There are many restaurants offering fall flavor, such as Soba (buckwheat) noodle, matsutake mushroom, sweet chestnut, and sweet potato.
You can also bring your own “Bento (lunch-box)” with autumn foods.
3. Hiking and walking in the mountain
To traipse the fields is also good to enjoy the autumn leaf. Popular spot for Leaf peeping offers the path so that it is easy to walk around.
4. Enjoy the tea-time
Recently the café is spread in the area for Leaf peeping. Having a good time in open terrace -café is also good selection.
5. Appreciate the fall foliage over soaking in a hot spring
This is very gorgeous time to enjoy the autumn-colored leaf.
Imagine the time to refresh oneself with soaking in a hot spring over viewing the beautiful fall foliage💓💓
Especially if you stay at Ryokan (excellent Japanese style of hotel), foods are also fun.
If you are in Japan during the season, I sincerely hope you would enjoy Japanese style of Leaf peeping.
Happy day💓 Rie’s Kitchen
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