Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing) Coloring Pages

What is Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing)?

Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing) means going to see the leaves that change color in autumn. Even though it has the word "hunting" in its Japanese name, you do not actually pick the leaves! People say it started a long time ago when people used that word to describe looking closely at beautiful leaves.

The Secret Behind Changing Leaf Colors

Why do leaves on trees change into such pretty colors when autumn comes?

• There is a green color inside the leaves. This is the color of the leaf.
• During the summer, leaves get plenty of sunlight and work hard to make this green color.
• However, as it gets colder in autumn, the leaves stop making green, and the green color breaks down.
• Then, the yellow and red colors that were hidden inside the leaves start to show up, making the leaves change into lovely colors!

What Colors Do Leaves Change Into?

The leaf colors you see during Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing) depend on the type of tree.

• Yellow: Leaves from ginkgo and katsura trees turn a bright yellow. Ginkgo leaves falling to the ground look just like a soft yellow carpet. It is so pretty!
• Red: Leaves from maple trees turn a bright red. Japanese maples are super popular with everyone because their leaves have such a cute shape!
• Brown: Leaves from beech and oak trees turn brown.

Fun Ways to Enjoy Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing)

You can enjoy Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing) in mountains, parks, temples, and shrines!

• Hiking: Walking through mountains with pretty leaves is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and the sound of leaves blowing in the wind.
• Taking Photos: When you find pretty leaves, try taking lots of photos!
• Fallen Leaf Art: Pick up leaves on the ground and line them up to make fun shapes. It is so much fun to try!

How to choose colors: Let’s create a fun autumn scene!

The key to your Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing) coloring page is using lots of colors to show a lively autumn scene.

• Leaf colors: Carefully color the leaves by mixing yellow, orange, red, brown, and even a little bit of green. It will look super pretty if you make each leaf a different color or blend the colors together!
• Tree colors: Try coloring the tree trunks and branches dark with dark brown, black, or gray. This will make the bright leaves pop even more!

How to make your art look 3D: Think about "shadows" and "light"!

Let's try a cool trick to make the leaves on your coloring page look 3D!

• Leaf shadows: If you layer a slightly darker color along the dips in the leaves or along the veins (the lines on the leaves), the leaves will start to look round and real!
• Where the light hits: If you use a lighter color on spots like the top of a leaf where the light hits, it will look shiny and bright!

Tips for enjoying your coloring page!

• Try adding a background!
  • If it's a coloring page of mountains with autumn leaves, try drawing a blue sky and white clouds. It will turn into a very bright and lovely picture!
• Express yourself freely!
  • There are no rules for leaf colors, so feel free to make your very own colorful Momijigari (Autumn Leaf Viewing)!
• Try drawing the wind!
  • It’s also fun to draw thin lines that look like flowing breeze to show leaves blowing in the wind!