15　　Momiji－gari（紅葉狩り）：　　

＊Autumn’s counterpart to spring’s flower-viewing (hana-mi) is momiji-gari (maple-leaf viewing）. It means ‘hunting maple leaves in the field’. During Japan’s long autumn season, we can enjoy a variety of colorful maple leaves such as the kaede and momiji varieties, painting gorgeous mountain landscapes and making Japan’s autumn colors among the world’s most beautiful. As with hanami, momiji-gari began with the court nobility and gradually became a custom whereby people traveled to renowned momiji-gari sites. The Japanese love to live close together with nature. We can become one with nature.　

（To be continued）