Sanjar’s autumn travels through Kyoto, Hakone, and Nikkō revealed the warmth and cultural spirit behind Japan’s beloved leaf-viewing tradition
In the fleeting beauty of Japan’s fall palette, the age-old tradition of momiji-gari reveals more than just crimson leaves; it reveals a nation’s soul. Our Founder-Director Sanjar’s recent journeys through Kyoto, Hakone and Nikkō uncover the warmth, kindness, and cultural reverence that define the Japanese.
If you stay exclusively at luxury hotels on your travels, you are perhaps accustomed to (and even expect!) elite hospitality. What separates the Japanese from other countries is the supplementing of empathy along with hospitality. Sanjar’s recent travels through Japan reaffirmed this timeless truth. It was not just the landmarks—temples, gardens, and mountains—that left him awe-inspired, but also the quiet acts of kindness that weave the fabric of Japanese society.
An auspicious start
One memorable moment happened at Tokyo Narita Airport. In Sanjar’s words:
“While travelling here, the handle of my stroller broke; one side at Bangalore Airport and another upon landing in Tokyo. Most travelers might dismiss such inconveniences as trivial, but here, the story took a different turn. While going through security for my connecting flight to Kyoto, the attentive officers saw me struggling with my handle”. He continues: “Half an hour later, she approached me at my gate, armed with pliers and tape, and spent twenty minutes carefully fixing the handle for a temporary fix. It was a gesture of genuine empathy in a country where kindness is expressed in the smallest of acts”.
This spirit of caring extends beyond individual gestures. In 2025, Japan Airlines introduced a groundbreaking initiative: a free domestic connection on the same booking to ease the burdens of overtourism in Tokyo. Such innovations mirror a broader cultural ethos; thoughtfulness that anticipates and alleviates visitors’ needs.
The art of ‘momiji-gari’
An avid photographer, Sanjar’s motivations behind journeying to Japan we’re single-minded: he wanted to photograph its fall colours. As summer dissolves into autumn, the country transforms into an artist’s canvas. The foliage—‘koyo’—turns into a mosaic of brilliant yellows, fiery oranges, deep reds, and earthy browns. This display isn’t just a visual feast but a reflection of Japan’s deep reverence for nature’s cycles.
Sanjar adds: “The Japanese have a special term for their autumn tradition—‘momiji-gari,’ or ‘red leaf hunting.’ This centuries-old practice, rooted in appreciation for the fleeting beauty of red maple leaves, is a cultural ritual that transcends tourism”. Starting from Hokkaido in September, where the first leaves turn brilliant crimson, the spectacle moves southward. Kyoto, with its ancient temples framed against the fiery backdrop, becomes the heart of momiji-gari. By December, even the most remote villages in Kyushu are ablaze with color.
It is fascinating how the Japanese approach this seasonal spectacle: mindful and deliberate. During momiji-gari, locals and travellers alike venture into forests, parks, and temples, often making pilgrimages to iconic spots like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nikko’s scenic waterfalls, and the historic heights surrounding Kyoto. The search for the most “resplendent red” becomes an act of reverence—celebrating impermanence and beauty in fleeting moments.
How it all comes together
What Sanjar found most compelling was how this seasonal ritual reveals the essence of Japanese society; “An attitude of mindful appreciation, patience, and reverence for tradition. The people of Japan embrace change with grace, mirroring nature’s own gentle transformations”, and in doing so, they exemplify a universal truth—a celebration of life’s ephemeral yet poignant beauty.
In this vivid season, amid the kaleidoscope of leaves, the kindness of Japan’s people and its reverence for nature come together, offering visitors an experience that is as profound as it is picturesque.
The allure of Japan’s autumn hues and the warmth of its people have stirred your wanderlust, allow us to craft a bespoke journey tailored to the peak of fall colours. At Panache World, we specialize in designing immersive experiences that capture the very essence of momiji-gari, guiding you to the most resplendent reds with all the thoughtful touches that make travel effortless and unforgettable.
