From Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 6, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 霜降(Soukou), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 楓蔦黄(Momiji tsuta kibamu).

What Is “Momiji tsuta kibamu” (楓蔦黄)?

"Momiji Tsuta Kibamu (楓蔦黄)" is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), Japan's traditional system for dividing the year into finely tuned seasonal periods. It is the final microseason within "Sōkō (霜降, Frost Descent)", one of the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), and generally falls in early November each year. During this time, the leaves of maples and ivy begin to turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, and autumn foliage reaches its peak across much of Japan. The name "Momiji Tsuta Kibamu" literally means "when maples and ivy turn color," making it a poetic expression that beautifully symbolizes the deepening of autumn. The Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is an ancient Japanese calendar system that divides the year into 72 distinct seasonal phases, each capturing subtle changes in weather, plants, and animals. Among these microseasons, "Momiji Tsuta Kibamu" is especially celebrated for its vivid visual imagery and has frequently appeared in traditional Japanese literature, including haiku and waka poetry. Some of Japan's most famous destinations for autumn foliage during this season include "Arashiyama" in Kyoto, "Mount Yoshino" in Nara, and "Zaō" in the Tōhoku region. These locations attract large numbers of visitors from both Japan and abroad. It is often said that autumn colors become particularly vibrant when there is a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures combined with moderate rainfall, making the period of "Momiji Tsuta Kibamu" one of the most favorable times for brilliant foliage displays. The term "Momiji Tsuta Kibamu" encapsulates the Japanese appreciation for the subtle beauty of nature and the changing seasons—a sensitivity that has been cherished for centuries. Even today, it serves as a gentle reminder to pause amid everyday life, look up at the sky, and find the deepening presence of autumn in the colors of the leaves.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons