In times past, some Native Americans believed the autumn colors were made when the Great Hunter finally shot the Bear, whose blood spilled across the landscape in the form of red leaves.
In my view, as I cycle around Tokyo, the trees appear to be more like well-preserved bottles that finally let forth their red and golden wines to celebrate the end of a glorious year.
Of all the seasons, perhaps the best time to be in Tokyo is during koyo, which means "red leaves." Reminiscent of the U.S. state of Vermont, the Gatineaus in Canada or northern England's entrancing Lake District, Tokyo is a natural wonder of the world for a few weeks at this time of year.