Momijigari is the Japanese tradition of visiting areas where leaves have turned red in the autumn . The word comes from the two Japanese words momiji meaning `` red leaves '' or `` maple tree '' and kari , `` hunting '' . Momijigari , from the Japanese momiji , `` red leaves '' or `` maple tree '' and kari , `` hunting '' , is the Japanese tradition of going to visit scenic areas where leaves have turned red in the autumn .