The burning red maple leaves in Japan in autumn. One of my favorite things.

Japanese Maple Leaves

It's tough to beat the Japanese maple leaves in Autumn. I know I keep saying that in post after post, but it’s true! With the bright, bold reds, they pop right out at you and demand your attention. People wait all summer for these leaves to turn red, and when they do the landscape is suddenly covered with photographers trying to capture them.

This was taken at one of the teahouses which are a common feature near Japanese castles. This teahouse is surrounded by Japanese maples. It has a nice rock garden also. I was sitting near the rock garden while sipping a bowl of hot matcha when I spotted a tree that was almost perfect. After I finished my tea I went over and took several photos.

Here is a wider shot, edited slightly for effect (this one taken with my phone, so not as nice as the previous).

David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku.

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