Seasonal culture
What Is Momijigari?
Japan's autumn-leaf outings, when the color moves south, and why October is only the beginning.
Seasonal edition / 紅葉
October 2026
Momijigari, the deer beneath the maple, and the four cards of Hanafuda's tenth month.
Three ways into the month
October stories
Material culture
The Deer Beneath The Maple
Why deer and autumn leaves share October's most recognizable Hanafuda card.
Hanafuda
October's Hanafuda Cards
Maple, deer, blue ribbon and the two chaff cards of Hanafuda's tenth month.