Korankei Autumn Leaves and Asuke Town Course

Korankei in Asuke, Toyota City, is one of the top autumn foliage spots in the Tokai region, colored by about four thousand maple trees. This recommended autumn day trip walks the vermilion Taigetsu Bridge, Kojakuji Temple, and the riverside path along the Tomoe River, and also tours the nearby historic streets of Asuke. It suits families, couples, and hiking lovers, and takes about six hours.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Korankei In the clear morning air, begin your stroll by walking through a tunnel of maples. Strolling the gorge is free, and the quiet hours before the crowds are recommended.

9:30 Foliage viewing at Taigetsu Bridge Head to the vermilion Taigetsu Bridge, the symbol of Korankei. From the bridge you can enjoy the foliage reflected on the water and the colors of the mountains at once.

10:30 Iimoriyama hiking Climb the path of Iimoriyama, which spreads behind Kojakuji Temple, aiming for the summit while gazing at the maples filling the sky above. Kojakuji Temple, said to be the origin of the foliage, is free to visit.

12:00 Lunch by the Tomoe River Rest at a riverside teahouse or stall while tasting Asuke specialties such as gohei mochi and wild boar soup. You can enjoy dishes casually from a few hundred yen.

14:00 Stroll the streets of Asuke Walk from Korankei to the historic streets of Asuke, selected as a national important preservation district for traditional buildings. Wander the lanes that keep their Edo era atmosphere.

Highlights

• The foliage of Korankei colored by about four thousand maples
• The vermilion Taigetsu Bridge with leaves reflected on the water
• Kojakuji Temple, said to be the origin of the foliage, and Iimoriyama
• The Asuke preservation district streets that keep their Edo era look

Access and Tips

• Surrounding roads are very crowded on autumn weekends
• For public transport, allow about fifty minutes by Meitetsu bus from Meitetsu Toyotashi Station
• You walk mountain paths, so comfortable shoes and a jacket bring peace of mind
• During the maple festival the area is lit up, offering a magical scene different from daytime

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season and timing: The peak of the foliage is usually mid to late November. The maple festival is typically held for the month of November, and during it the Iimoriyama light up runs from sunset until around nine at night. You can enjoy different faces by day and by the evening light up.
• Avoiding crowds: On autumn weekends and holidays the surrounding roads jam and buses tend to run late. An early morning arrival is the biggest tip, and finishing your stroll in the morning lets you move fairly comfortably.
• Time guide: Allow about two to three hours for the gorge walk including Taigetsu Bridge, Kojakuji Temple, and Iimoriyama, and one to two hours for the Asuke streets.
• Nearby stops: The Asuke streets have shops and cafes in old merchant houses and facilities that tell the history of the salt road. At Sanshu Asuke Yashiki you can see traditional handiwork.
• Budget sense: Strolling the gorge and visiting Kojakuji Temple are free. Food such as gohei mochi and wild boar soup is mostly a few hundred yen a dish, so the day stays affordable even with a stop at an experience facility.

A Quick Tip

The peak of the foliage is usually from mid to late November. To avoid crowds, an early morning arrival is key. Iimoriyama involves walking mountain paths, so prepare comfortable shoes and a layer. If time allows, stay for the evening light up and enjoy the different faces of Korankei by day and night.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (opening hours): 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (admission): 300 yen for general adults, 100 yen for children (elementary, junior high and high school students)
• Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (closed): Every Thursday (the following Friday when Thursday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period (December 25 to January 2)
• Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (parking): The facility has no dedicated parking; use the municipal parking lots at Korankei
• Inquiries: 0565-62-1188 (Sanshu Asuke Yashiki), 0565-62-1272 (Toyota City Asuke Tourism Association)
• Official information: Sanshu Asuke Yashiki official website, Toyota City official website, Nishi-Mikawa Gurutto Navi (the official tourism website for the Nishi-Mikawa area of Aichi Prefecture)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.