Aichi Autumn Foliage: Korankei, Mt. Horaiji & Mt. Chausu

About Autumn Leaves in Aichi

When you speak of autumn in Japan, the fall foliage woven by Aichi's mountains and valleys is simply unmissable. Gradations of red, orange, and yellow dye the hillsides, and their colors reflect on the river surface, as if the very earth were quietly aglow. The peak season runs from early October to late November, drawing travelers from near and far in search of these views.

What makes Aichi's autumn so interesting is that it has more than one face: dazzling valley scenery, a mysterious mountain castle where history meets nature, and quiet highlands where you can immerse yourself in the season alone. As you descend from highland to valley, the foliage front seems to follow you down, an "autumn chain" unique to Aichi. This fall, why not set out on an "Aichi foliage journey" around three famous spots?

Korankei Gorge

When it comes to autumn leaves in Aichi, the first name that comes up is Korankei Gorge. Along the Tomoe River in Asuke, Toyota City, about 3,000 maple and cedar trees of eleven varieties stand together, and every November the entire gorge is wrapped in burning crimson. The reflection of the foliage on the water and its harmony with the old townscape from the Edo period make a scene like a carefully painted picture.

Best season is early to late November. Especially recommended is the evening illumination (typically early to late November, until around 9 p.m.). Against the jet-black night sky, the world of red and orange takes on a fantastical beauty entirely different from daytime. Locals agree that "the night is even more moving than the day."

For early risers, a visit between 6 and 8 a.m. is wonderful. Morning mist drifts gently through the gorge, and with few tourists around, you can have Korankei almost to yourself. "Korankei in the mist" is a hidden gem many photographers seek.

Local Way to Enjoy Korankei isn't only about foliage. Strolling Asuke's old streets, the gohei-mochi (grilled rice cakes) and boar soup (inojiru) served at local teahouses are a special seasonal treat. Nearby you can also visit the Important Cultural Property "Chuma-kan," combining food and history in one walk.

Access

• By train + bus: From Meitetsu "Higashi-Okazaki Station," take the Meitetsu bus (Okazaki-Asuke Line) for about 70 minutes (adult ¥900); from "Toyota-shi Station," take the Yanami Line for about 40–50 minutes (adult ¥900), and get off at the "Korankei" stop. Note: on weekends and public holidays during the foliage season, partial suspensions apply — the Okazaki-Asuke Line is suspended between Matsuhira-bashi and Asuke, and the Yanami Line between Kuragaike-Higashi and Asuke. The Meitetsu Bus app may show suspended timetables as running; check the official website before you go. A more reliable option during the Momiji Festival is the non-stop direct bus operated by Owa Bus between Yakusa Station and Korankei (about 60 minutes, adult ¥1,000).
• By car: About 25 minutes from "Toyota-Kanpachi IC" on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway.
• Traveler's Tip: On November weekends the surrounding roads jam heavily, sometimes taking two to three times longer. Arriving on weekday early mornings or after dusk is wise, and public transport is strongly recommended. The illumination is beautiful even on rainy days, so bring warm layers and comfortable shoes.

Mt. Horaiji (Shinshiro City)

A stone stairway of 1,425 steps that turns into a tunnel of maple leaves — Mt. Horaiji rises 695 meters in Shinshiro City, Aichi, and was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1931. The color of the view changes with every step you climb: maples close overhead, and behind you a red staircase falls away down the mountain. It is autumn you have to earn on foot, which makes it a completely different experience from spots you can simply drive up to.

If the climb sounds daunting, the Horaijisan Parkway takes you close to the summit, so you can reach the heart of the foliage without tackling every step.

The Momiji Matsuri (maple festival) is held each autumn, but the dates change from year to year. In 2024 it ran November 1 to December 1; in 2026 it runs November 9 to December 6. Do not assume it always starts on November 1 — check the dates for the year you are travelling.

[A local tip] On event days the main approach road is closed to traffic, Horaiji Elementary School becomes a special car park, and a free shuttle operates. Private car parks nearby charge around 1,000 yen. Starting your walk from the bottom of the stone steps lets you take in the atmosphere of the temple-gate town as well. Note that no official information is published on the peak-foliage dates or admission fees, so it is best to confirm with the Shinshiro City Tourism Association in advance.

Access

• By car: From the Shin-Tomei Expressway "Shinshiro IC," head for the Horaijisan Parkway. The Parkway car park was transferred to Shinshiro City on April 1, 2022, and peak-season rates (which include the whole of November) are 1,100 yen for regular cars, 2,200 yen for large vehicles and 440 yen for motorcycles (off-peak: 550 / 1,100 / 220 yen). 180 spaces. Shinshiro City lists opening hours as 8:00–16:00 (an older road-corporation page says 8:00–18:00, but follow the current manager, Shinshiro City). Note that the Gyojagoe car park closed on September 1, 2026.
• By public transport: Take the S-Bus "Horaijisan Mokkuru Shinshiro Line" from "Yuya Onsen Eki Minami" to "Mt. Horaiji Summit," about 15 minutes. Extra services also run on Sundays and holidays throughout November.
• Traveler tips: If you plan to climb the steps, shoes with good grip and layered clothing that keeps you warm once you stop sweating are essential — 1,425 steps take more out of you than you expect. Shinshiro is one of the municipalities where Asiatic black bears are confirmed, and Aichi Prefecture has forecast a "poor acorn crop across the prefecture" for 2025. Carry a bear bell and avoid walking alone at dawn or dusk.

Chausuyama Highland

Spreading at the foot of Chausuyama (1,415 m), Aichi's highest peak, the Chausuyama Highland is a hidden scenic spot locals proudly call "Aichi's secret foliage treasury." Boasting the highest elevation in the prefecture, its peak comes earliest, early to late October, donning autumn's robes ahead of everywhere else.

The colorful foliage set against grand mountain scenery has a scale impossible to experience in the lowlands. Combined with the clear highland air, every deep breath fills you with autumn. The high elevation makes the sky bluer, so the vivid contrast of red, orange, and yellow stands out all the more.

Though popular, it is less crowded than Korankei, so even on weekends you can enjoy the foliage at your own pace. A lift operates within the highland (typically running in the foliage season around October), so even those unsure of their stamina can easily enjoy the 360-degree panorama near the summit.

Local Way to Enjoy The Chausuyama Highland ski area, a winter slope, transforms in autumn into a sweeping meadow and foliage, a superb photo spot. Nearby is the Ikenodaira Marsh, where you can enjoy the rare, dreamlike sight of foliage reflected on the water. On the way home, stop at a local farm stand for the season's mountain bounty, thick mushrooms, sweet chestnuts, and fresh-picked apples.

Access

• By car: About 50 minutes from "Horaikyo IC" on the Sanen-Nanshin Expressway, or about 1 hour via Route 151 from the "Hamamatsu-Inasa JCT" direction on the New Tomei. Located in the mountains, access by car is the realistic option.
• By public transport: From JR Iida Line "Toei Station," take the Toyone village bus to "Chausuyama Kogen." Service is very infrequent, so check the timetable in advance, including the return.
• Traveler's Tip: At this elevation, temperatures are 5 to 8C lower than the lowlands. Even in October, a fleece or windbreaker is essential. On clear days the morning light is beautiful and makes the colors pop, so arrive early. There are almost no convenience stores nearby, so prepare food and drink at the foot of the mountain beforehand.

Peak Timing and How to Enjoy

Aichi's foliage season moves from highland down to valley as the elevation drops. Like a relay, autumn's colors spread slowly from the mountaintops down to the foothills. Planning your trip to chase this "southward foliage front" lets you enjoy Aichi's autumn to the fullest. Rough peak guidelines are below.

Visiting in the order Chausuyama Highland, Mt. Horaiji, then Korankei lets you chase Aichi's autumn over about a month. The depth of color, the temperature of the air, even the scent differ slightly at each place. Of course, a weekend trip touring all three in November is also highly recommended. Prepare your camera and warm clothing, and set out on an Aichi foliage journey this fall, an unforgettable landscape awaits.

Practical Information for the Autumn Foliage Season (Based on Official Announcements)

Korankei: The Dates Are Fixed — 1 to 30 November, No Extensions

One thing can be stated with certainty about the Korankei Momiji Festival: it has been held from 1 to 30 November for five consecutive years, and in 2026 it runs again from 1 to 30 November as the 71st edition. Because the dates never shift, this is one of the easiest spots to plan around.

Illuminations run every evening in November from sunset until 21:00 and are free of charge (car parks and Sanshu Asuke-yashiki charge separately). The official site states explicitly that "no extension of the period or hours will be made" and that "no illuminations will be held in December." If you visit in December, you will not see Korankei lit up at night.

Peak colour is mid to late November. There are approximately 3,000 maple trees of 11 varieties (the official site also carries a reference to "approximately 4,000 trees", but please use the 3,000 figure as the baseline). The elevation of Iimori-yama is 254 m.

Korankei Car Parks: Fees Are Set by Municipal Ordinance

Parking fees are governed by Toyota City ordinance, so there is no variation between operators and no risk of price hikes. Standard vehicles: ¥1,000 per visit / Large vehicles: ¥3,000. The paid period runs from 1 November to the first Sunday in December, 6:00–20:30 (Ochibe lot opens at 8:00).

No park-and-ride scheme or shuttle bus service is listed in any official announcement. Furthermore, the 2026 official information states that there are no reservable parking spaces (the Sanshu Asuke Kosha website still mentions reservations, but please follow the city's latest guidance).

No traffic restrictions for private vehicles have been officially announced. The only official restriction concerns tour coaches (routing and return rules apply from 9:00–17:00, 14–29 November 2026).

Korankei Buses: Partial Suspension on Weekends and Public Holidays

This is the biggest pitfall. Meitetsu Bus operates partial route suspensions on weekends and public holidays during the foliage season. This happened in both 2024 and 2025, so you should expect the same in 2026.

• Okazaki–Asuke line: suspended between Matsudaira-bashi and Asuke
• Yanamise line: suspended between Kuragaike-higashi and Asuke

The official notice also states that "no refunds or compensation will be given for delays" and that "the suspended timetabled services will continue to appear in the CentX app." If you check the app and assume a bus is running, you may be stranded.

Normal journey times and fares: Higashi-Okazaki Station → approx. 70 min, adult ¥900; Toyota-shi Station → approx. 40–50 min, adult ¥900; Josui Station → approx. 60 min via the Sanage-Asuke line.

An alternative is the direct express bus (Owa Bus) that runs during the Momiji Festival period. It travels non-stop between Yakusa Station and Korankei in about 60 minutes: adults ¥1,000 / children ¥500. It ran on 12–30 November 2022, 11–30 November 2023, and 15–30 November 2025 (the 2026 schedule is still being finalised).

Toyota City Tourism Association itself has written: "On weekends and public holidays in November, traffic jams may push journey times beyond two hours — please visit on a weekday!!"

Also note that from April 2025, the Tokai Kanjo Expressway requires an ETC-equipped vehicle to enter or exit (except Toyoda-Fujioka IC). Forgetting your ETC card means you cannot leave the motorway.

Open fires are strictly prohibited throughout Korankei, including the riverbed (fireworks included). Bear sightings have not been reported, but all three trails to the summit of Iimori-yama are closed to the public at night due to wild boar and deer (the approach to Kozanji temple precincts remains open). Sanshu Asuke-yashiki charges adults ¥300 / children ¥100, opens 9:00–17:00, and closes on Thursdays — except in November, when it is open every day.

Chausuyama Kogen: Aichi's Earliest Colour Change

The official elevation is 1,415 m (Toyane Village) and 1,416 m (Aichi Now) — two figures exist, but either way it is the highest peak in Aichi Prefecture. Hagitaro-yama stands at 1,358 m.

Peak colour is late October to early November — the earliest in Aichi Prefecture (identical wording across multiple years). The 1,200–1,300 m belt is generally at peak until around 8 November; the 1,000–1,200 m belt until mid-November.

All editions run on weekends and public holidays from 17:00 to 20:00, free of charge, at the "Yahazu Pond" venue. Three consecutive years of this pattern means you can plan around weekends and public holidays from mid-October to early November.

The car park holds 1,000 vehicles and is free. A charge applies only during the spring shibazakura (lawn pink) festival; during the foliage season parking is free. Chausuyama Kogen Road was opened free of charge on 13 April 2008 (now Aichi Prefectural Route 507) — there is no toll.

The sightseeing lift operates from late April to early November: return ¥1,000 / one-way ¥600. Weekday hours: 11:00–16:00 (last upward ride 15:40); weekends and public holidays: 9:00–16:30 (last upward ride 16:10). Closed Thursdays, but runs every day from early October to early November. The on-site museum is closed for winter from November to March.

The official site warns that "Chausuyama at night is very cold, around 10°C." If you are going for the illuminations, dress as you would for midwinter.

Checklist Before You Go

• [ ] The Korankei Momiji Festival runs on fixed dates: 1–30 November. Illuminations are every evening in November, from sunset to 21:00, free of charge
• [ ] No December illuminations (officially stated)
• [ ] Korankei parking is set by ordinance at ¥1,000 for standard vehicles. No reserved spaces and no park-and-ride
• [ ] Meitetsu Bus partially suspends services on weekends and public holidays (Matsudaira-bashi–Asuke / Kuragaike-higashi–Asuke). The CentX app does not show the suspension
• [ ] Consider the non-stop express bus between Yakusa Station and Korankei (adults ¥1,000)
• [ ] Toyota City Tourism Association explicitly states: "Weekend and public holiday jams in November can exceed 2 hours. Please come on a weekday"
• [ ] The Tokai Kanjo Expressway requires an ETC-equipped vehicle to enter/exit (from April 2025, except Toyoda-Fujioka IC)
• [ ] Chausuyama has 1,000 free parking spaces; the highland road is also free
• [ ] Chausuyama illuminations run on weekends and public holidays from mid-October to early November, 17:00–20:00, free
• [ ] Chausuyama at night is around 10°C. Bring midwinter clothing
• [ ] Horaiji-san Momiji Festival dates change year to year (in 2026: 9 November – 6 December)
• [ ] Horaiji-san Parkway car park charges a peak-season fee of ¥1,100 in November
• [ ] Aichi Prefecture has issued a bear warning following a poor acorn harvest in the 2025 season. Toyota, Shinshiro, and Toyane are all confirmed bear habitat areas

Information Sources

Toyota City / Toyota City Tourism Association (Tourism Toyota) / Meitetsu Bus / Owa Bus / Shinshiro City / Shinshiro City Tourism Association / Toyane Village / Chausuyama Kogen official website / Aichi Prefecture / Aichi Now (Aichi Prefecture Tourism Association)

*Dates and prices are subject to change. Please check the latest information on each official website before you set out.*