Hanami is an important Japanese custom, when locals break free of their conservative reputation and enjoy a picnic with friends and family under the cherry blossom trees.
Both natural events bring the Japanese out en masse to celebrate the changing seasons, with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties in the springtime and momiji-gari (maple leaf viewing) in the fall.
Many temples and shrines in the area surrounding Nijo Castle and Arashiyama also are lit up throughout hanami, as well as momiji-gari, when the lights seem to ignite the burnt orange and red maples.