Dusk was slowly settling in but the heavens wasn’t really in the mood to welcome us warmly. Instead, as we started to alight from the bus in Korankei, it let out a shower. Briefly. But despite the cold, I left my jacket in the bus. The low temperature was bearable and I was actually enjoying it. As we started to walk towards the Tomoe River, the rain stopped. We just came from marveling the autumn cherry blossoms earlier and the feeling of joy at seeing these blooms hasn’t worn over yet.
The Korankei Valley in Toyota City is festive during Autumn when`the maple and gingko leaves go on full blast in red and yellow and on a beautiful and clear day, it is such a sight to behold. Well, that’s what I saw in photos. It is said that the head priest of Kojakuji Temple which is built on the slopes of Mt. Iimori, first planted a maple tree in the 17th century and people started doing the same. Today, it is considered as one of Japan’s prime spots for observing the Autumn foliage especially at the vermillion Taigetsukyo Bridge which gives a great view of the valley and the colorful foliage with the Tomoe River providing a stunning landscape.
It was already dusk, yet I can still see and appreciate the red and yellow leaves, although not yet in full Autumn foliage. But what a view! So pristine, so postcard pretty!
We continued to walk towards Sanshu Asuke Yashiki, a recreated village museum that showcases Japanese artisanal crafts in a setting straight from the Edo period. Here, a group of buildings are built in traditional style where one can see and even experience basketry and traditional Japanese paper making. During the momiji matsuri or the Autumn leaves viewing festival in November, the place is festive with several yatais, food stalls offering different kinds of food from grilled meat to sausages to traditional rice cakes and many more. There are also musical perfomances like concerts and traditonal Japanese drums.
GETTING THERE: From the Aichi Now website:
Access by public transport
From Nagoya Station, board the subway Higashiyama Line bound to Fushimi and Fujigaoka and, at Fushimi Station, change trains to the Tsurumai Line bound to Akaike Station, where you change trains if necessary in order to continue by the Meitetsu Toyota Line until Toyotashi Station, then board the Meitetsu Bus bound to Asuke, alighting at Korankei
Access by car
Approx. 15 min from the Chikaraishi I.C. of the Sanage Green Road
Approx. 20 min from the Toyota-Kanpachi I.C. of the Tokai Loop Expressway
Thanx to Aichi Prefecture for making this trip possible. To know more about tourism in Aichi, check the official Aichi Now website.
A scenic valley and a traditional village museum in Korankei #aichinowsp #aichi #japan https://t.co/Ck2dY3G0ca https://t.co/bSl19ISG4a