Momijigari (紅葉狩り) literally means 'hunting for red leaves.' It is the autumn equivalent of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) — the tradition of travelling to mountains, temples, and gardens to see the maple leaves change colour. But momijigari is not tourism. It is a contemplative practice: sitting with the knowledge that these leaves are at their most beautiful in the moment before they fall. It is mono no aware in orange and red.

Explore more Japanese wisdom in the books of Takeshi Mori at takeshimori.com.

Join the Takeshi Mori community at takeshimori.com for your free guide to Japanese philosophy for modern life.