We are only four months away from the new year, and flowers are a perfect metaphor for fleeting beauty and the transience of existence. September in Japan calls for fall foliage, when the country’s parks and gardens burst with vibrant autumn blooms.
Cherry blossoms bewitch people in the first half of the year in Japan, while the second half is all about enjoying the views of Japan’s autumn leaves. Japan’s autumn foliage is just as beautiful as the spring one. The different tapestry of colors, like the elegant purples, delicate pinks, and fiery reds, makes the entire landscape riveting.
Varieties of Autumn Blooms
Autumn foliage is equally mesmerizing as cherry blossoms because you get to witness a burst of kaleidoscopic and bright hues. In Japanese, Aki no Nanakusa is called Seven Flowers of Autumn, which include red spider lily, cockscomb, bellflower, dahlia, kochia, cosmos, and chrysanthemums.
Besides these blooms, there are other popular varieties like Momiji (maple leaves), Salvia, Goldenrod, Gentian, Roses, Yellow Cosmos, Fall Begonia, Roses, Asian Jumpseed, etc.
Momiji, or Maple Leaves—Brick and Crimson Reds Creating Spectacular Views
Mother Nature has blessed Japan with beauty, a beauty so fragile, delicate, and dazzling to look at. Whether it is autumn or spring, you will be left in awe seeing the paradisiac landscape.
As the fall begins, Japan is covered with brighter, vibrant, and fiery hues. Fall foliage in Japanese is called “momiji,” which are red maple leaves. Some leaves also turn yellow and light brown, balancing the reds, making it extremely picturesque.
It is believed that when you view these maple leaves, it is like a hunter is chasing after a colorful beast. Locals and tourists gather around to go on the autumn foliage viewing tour that happens every year. “Momijigari” is the term for viewing red leaves, and it is a popular Japanese flowers, cultural event, and seasonal activity.
According to the 2025 forecast, Hokkaido is the first place where you will see the red maple leaves. Then it will progress through Sapporo and Nagano. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto will get to see red leaves in late November and early December.
Japan’s Red, Pink, and Purple Blooms of September
These are some of the flowers that you witness in Japan during autumn:
Red Spider Lily
The red spider lily, resembling spider legs, is a brightly colored red flower. They are either vibrant red or deep maroon in color and usually bloom around mid- or early September or October.
Cosmos
Taken from the Greek word “kosmos,” these flowers represent beauty, grace, and harmony. You will find these cheerful blooms in red, purple, pink, white, yellow, orange, and black.
Moreover, they pretty much resemble cherry blossoms; that’s why they are called Aki-sakura in Japanese, which means autumn cherry blossom. Their blooming period is between September and November.
Bellflowers
These pentagonal, star-shaped petaled florals exude elegance. You will find them in lavender, white, and blue in color. They are not only for decoration or for giving bouquets but also for medicinal purposes; these flowers help in alleviating pain and throat inflammation. Their blooming period is between August and October.
Gentian
These blue or violet florals grow in mountainous areas. These beautiful flowers convey justice and sincerity. The blue-purple blooms are perfect for decorative and medicinal use. These flowers are used in Chinese medicine to cure back pain, muscle pain, and joint pain. Their blooming period lasts between August and November.
Cockscomb
Named after the rooster’s comb, this flower has a unique appearance. These flowers usually have a bright red color, but they also have pink, orange, and yellow shades. Cockscomb blooms earlier than other autumn flowers, i.e., July, and lasts till November.
Fall Begonia
The pretty pink flowers with a yellow center that makes them droopy are ravishing. The small pink flowers usually bloom between August and October.
Bottom line
Japan’s fall season is breathtaking; however, make sure when you are planning for your trip, you curate your itinerary in a way that you get to witness all these beautiful blooms and the country’s autumn palette.