Miss HappyFeet: Korankei, Best Place to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Central Japan

Kōrankei is a famous valley not too far from Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture), reputedly one of the best spots for autumn foliage in Chubu Region (and believe me, it is not an over-statement!). Shaping the valley is the 254 meters tall Mount Limori terrain, on which the "mysterious" Kojakuji Temple stands.

Along the Tomoe river, the valley forms an S shape around the mountain terrain. At the western and southern side of the mountain is where most maple trees stand proud. Hence, you can find the most magnificent view here. These trees alongside with the rumbling river and the vermillion Taigetsukyo Bridge is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. So, say cheese, pose and snap away! I am guilty of taking one photo every 3 steps, holding the schedule behind, but who can help it??? Not me for sure!

The origin of these maple trees dates back in the 17th century. Sanei, the head priest of Kojakuji at that time planted some maple trees along the temple approach, in hopes that it will make the secluded valley even more beautiful, and his action prompted many pilgrims and locals to do the same in the area… Along the years, many had planted and took care of these treasure trees, creating the gorgeous scene that we are lucky enough to enjoy today. Nowadays, Korankei had officially became the best place to admire Koyo (fall foliage) in all of Central Japan. Well, this is truly the “Fruit of Past Effort”.

According to our tour guide, there are around 4000 maple trees of 11 different kinds growing in Korankei Gorge, including the rare mountain maple trees. Impressive, isn't it? Walking slowly through the scarlet maple tunnel enable one to compare the size and shapes of the different species, and truly appreciate the past effort. Green, Red, Orange, Yellow, Gold…. The peak of vivid autumn colors usually happens around mid to late November annually, when the ginkgo leaves add into the color palette. At the end of the promenade, you’ll finally see the Kojakuji Temple lost in the maple leaves and here, feel free to proceed and make a wish. I heard many locals claim that this is a very miraculous place where many believers got what they wished for granted.

We arrived at Korankei at about 6 pm, when the sky is getting dark. So unfortunately, I did not have the chance to photograph the gorgeous scenery in daylight. Instead, I had the opportunity to enjoy the magical illumination which is held daily from sunset until 2100. Millions of lights installed below and on the trees gives the area a magical glow, making me exclaimed from the bottom of my heart: What an amazing sight!

An array of Yatai (food stalls) was set up along the route leading to River Tomoe in accordance of the Momiji Matsuri festival, musical performances and concerts were held at the open space, which made a night visit a good idea in Autumn.

During our visit, we grabbed some momoji Manju and enjoyed it in the idyllic setting waling through the shades of red, orange and gold. I had these Manjus in Miyajima, Hiroshima before and i've been missing them so dearly, it was good to have it again. Momiji manjū is a type of Imagawayaki. This confection is a small cake made of buckwheat and rice, shaped like a Japanese maple leaf, stuffed with delicious red bean filling. It is originally a local specialty on the island of Itsukushima (Miyajima). However its popularity quickly spread to the rest of Japan and eventually became a favorite snack while enjoying momijigari (autumn foliage sight seeing).

At Korankei, stands the Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, where you can see many old thatched houses in an open-air museum atmosphere mimicking the serene countryside in the Edo period. Here, visitors are encouraged to participate in various workshops such as bamboo baskets crafting, straw sandals making, indigo handkerchiefs dying, washi paper postcards crafting and so much more. However, this attraction only opens during day time so I did not have a chance to experience it. Remember to come (at least) before 4pm in order to visit this attraction!

Attraction Details

Entrance fee: Free (Admission fee is 300 Yen to enter Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village)
Time spent: 3 hours
How to get there?
The best way to get to Korankei is by car. However, you can also reach via public transport by strong will and determination. Believe me, it worths the effort!
1. From Touohashi JR Tokaido Shinkansen station, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line, alight at “Higashi Okazaki Station” after 20 min, then take the Meitetsu bus Asuke / Okazaki Line for approx. 70minutes. That bus will bring you directly to "Korankei” station.
2. From Nagoya Tokaido Shinkansen stat8on, take the Higashiyama Line of Nagoya Municipal Subway. After 3 minutes, stop at "Fushimi Station" and change to the Tsurumai Line. After 45 minutes, alight at "Josui Station". Then, board the Toyota Oiden Bus bound for Hyakunenso. This bus will take you to "Korankei” in an hour.
3. From mid to the end of November, there are extra buses operating to bring more visitors to Korankei.
4. From Nagoya station, take the Higashima line of Nagoya municipal subway (28 minutes) and align at Fujigaoka station. Then, take the Linimo Tobu Kyuryo Line for approx. 17 minutes, alight at "Yakusa Station”.There will be a bus connecting “Yakusa Station” and Korankei (journey time: 60 minutes)

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As #promised, here comes the #Aichi 🇯🇵 #wave 🌊: #Korankei ( #香嵐渓, Kōrankei) is a #valley near #Nagoya reputed to be one of the best spots for #autumncolors in the #Chubu Region. 🍂 Shaping the valley is the 254 meter tall #MountIimori, ⛰ on which #Kojakuji Temple stands ⛩. In the 17th century, the head priest of Kojakuji planted some #maple trees 🍁along the temple approach, prompting many locals to do the same in the area. Today, visitors to Korankei can see the fruits of these past efforts, in the form of excellent #autumnscenery that peak around mid to late #November each year.🍁🍁🍁 Come at night when all the #illumination is up, it will be an #oneofakind #fall #experience. 🏮 . . . #traveltheworld #girlslovetravel #travelnoire #darlingescape #darlingescapes #ladiesgoneglobal #sheisnotlost #sidewalkerdaily #japanigram #visitnagoya #beautifuldestinations

A post shared by Vivian | Travel. Lifestyle (@littlemisshappyfeet) on Dec 5, 2018 at 3:41am PST

Well, so you now know where to go for amazing Fall foliage other than Kyoto! Have fun exploring... and remember, clear your phone memory a little before visiting so that you have plenty of GB to store your Korankei photos!