Rich in color The world of autumn leaves
As October begins, the best time to see maple trees gradually begins across the country. The red maple leaves soothe your soul and create a typical Japanese scene right before your eyes. The maple leaves scattered on the road are also beautiful. Every time I take a step through the carpet of autumn leaves, the sound of dry leaves crunching under my feet makes me feel very happy. Why not go out and observe the differences in maple leaves from all over the country?
Once the summer heat subsides, the pleasant autumn season begins. It is said that the time between summer and winter is getting shorter, and even the ephemeral nature of autumn may convey the sense of impermanence and sadness in the world.
The best time to see autumn leaves for two months
The best time to see maples varies depending on the region. In some places, such as Wakkanai in Hokkaido, the best time to see them starts from mid-September.
From there, the autumn foliage front gradually moves south, starting from early to mid-October in Aomori, and from mid-October to November in Kanto, Kansai, and Shikoku, and so on for about two months to track the best time to see maples in Japan. I can.
The reason why the best viewing times are not concentrated in a short period of time is not only because of the difference in temperature between the north and south, but also because there are many types of maples that can be seen in the country.
You will notice this when you pick up a maple leaf and look at it. Or try to remember. Something with deep or shallow cuts. There are various types, from those that are divided into three pieces to those that are divided into seven or more thin pieces.
Many maple trees that please the eye
Let’s introduce some of the typical maples that can be seen in Japan.
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
It is the most common maple in Japan, and there are many different varieties. It is known for its beautiful fresh greenery and autumn leaves, which are representative of Japan. It is one of the few deciduous trees that can become the main character of the garden. They are especially common in the Kanto and Kansai regions, and the best time to see them is from mid-October to early November.
Acer japonicum
This Japanese maple is an endemic species that is widely distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and is especially common in the Tohoku and Chubu regions. It has been likened to a Tengu’s fan, and is also called “Meigetsu Kaede” or “Junihitoe”. The best time to see them is from mid-October to mid-November.
Acer buergerianum
It is widely distributed in the Kanto and Chubu regions. The Chinese name is Triangle Maple (Triangular Maple). In English-speaking countries, it is called trident maple, and its kanji name is “Karakaede.” It is often seen as a street tree or park tree. The best time to see them is from mid-November to early December.
In addition to these, there are many other species found in Japan, such as the Japanese maple tree, which is often found in the Kansai and Shikoku regions, and has stiff papery leaves, the Japanese maple tree, which is an ornamental plant in Europe and North America, and the Japanese maple tree, which is two times smaller than the Japanese maple tree. You can enjoy different types of maples.
By the way, the origin of the name “kaede” is found in the Man’yoshu as “kaherude,” which compares the shape of a maple leaf to a frog’s hand. There is a theory that it was given the name “. Also, the kanji “kaede” can be read as “kaede” or “fuu”, but when read as “fuu”, it becomes a different plant that looks very similar. It’s interesting how the same kanji can be pronounced differently if you read it differently.
By Admin|2023-10-03|2023,|