“Leaves changing color” is more than just cumbersome
There are several Japanese words that English needs. Kōyō is one of them.
Koyo 紅葉 (kōyō, pronounced koh-yoh)
Koyo literally means “red leaves,” but the word conveys much more. It represents the whole experience of the autumnal leaf color change.
The fact that a word has been devised to describe the changing leaves of autumn gives significance to the event. There is attention paid to the change of seasons, to the trees, to the many and varied hues of the leaves. There is awe at the wonder and beauty of nature.
The word koyo indicates stopping what we are doing to take a moment to admire the glory of the autumn leaves.
Here are a few lovely koyo viewing places in Japan. There are thousands more.
Nikkō, Tochigi:
Oirase Gorge, Aomori:
Omoshiroyama Highlands, Yamagata:
Kyoto:
Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki:
What are your favorite koyo viewing spots? Let me know in your responses.
Have you heard of Komorebi? It’s another beautiful Japanese word that English needs.
Photos ©Diane Neill Tincher
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