Korankei is a picturesque area located in the Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. In autumn, the riverside is adorned with a canopy of red maple leaves, creating a beautifully illuminated spectacle.
In the surrounding areas of Korankei, there are numerous attractions, such as the hiking trails of Mt. Iimori, as well as tourist spots like Kojuji Temple, Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (Historical House), and Asuke Castle Ruins Park. Today, Japan Collection provides you with detailed insights into seven recommended tourist spots in and around Korankei.
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Korankei（香嵐渓）
"Korankei" stands as one of the finest natural scenic areas in Aichi Prefecture. The lush greenery along the banks of the Xianglan Creek, flowing at the foot of Mt. Iimori, becomes a sought-after destination for visitors during autumn. The optimal time to admire the foliage is from mid to late November, with an annual autumn foliage festival taking place during this period. Spring and summer exhibit the deepest hues of leaves on the trees. The verdant vegetation surrounding the mountain stream is exceptionally beautiful and soothing.
Around 1634 (around the 11th year of the Kan'ei era), the 11th chief priest of Kojuji Temple, Sannaga, planted cedar and maple trees, starting the manual cultivation. From the late Taisho era to the early Showa era, local volunteers planted a considerable number of trees. Every November, around 4,000 maple trees on the entire mountain burst into vibrant colors, creating a spectacular contrast with the clear river, presenting a breathtaking scene of red and yellow.
Throughout November, Korankei hosts the "Korankei Maple Leaf Festival," featuring lively events such as monkey performances, ancient ceremonies, and culinary delights. As of mid-November, direct buses from "Yatsuhashi" to "Korankei" are available, facilitating easy access to Korankei.
During the "Korankei Maple Leaf Festival," the entire mountain is illuminated at night, offering a dreamlike scenery distinct from daytime. The maple leaves are enchantingly beautiful under the glow of colorful lights, providing a captivating spectacle.
- Korankei（香嵐渓）Information
- Address: Asuke, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, get on the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at Korankei Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- Types of Maple Trees: Japanese Maples, Acer species, and 11 other varieties
- Night Illumination Period: 11/1~11/30, from sunset to 9:00 PM
- Phone: 0565-62-1272 (Toyota City Asuke Sightseeing Association)
Taigetsu Bridge（待月橋）
The Taigetsu Bridge is a vermilion-colored structure spanning the Korankei and the Kawa Rivers. Renovated and rebuilt in 2007, it has since become an emblematic symbol of the Korankei.
The vivid hue of the Taigetsu Bridge renders photographs exceptionally beautiful, making it an ideal location for capturing commemorative images. If you visit the bridge around 3:00 in the afternoon, you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the sunset, with Mt. Iimori providing a picturesque backdrop. Capture a memorable photo against the scenic setting!
Alternatively, you can descend to the riverbed, allowing you to view the bridge from the water's edge. This area is also renowned for its autumn foliage, attracting a steady stream of visitors for photography during the fall season.
- Taigetsu（待月橋）Information
- Address: Asuke, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at Korankei Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- Phone: 0565-62-1272 (Toyota City Asuke Sightseeing Association)
Iimori Hill（飯盛山）
Located at the heart of Korankei, Iimori Hill has an elevation of 251 meters, with a relative height of 131 meters from the road. Boasting a beautiful conical shape, it has been considered a sacred mountain where deities descend to the mortal realm since ancient times.
In the past, Shinto rituals were conducted around several massive stones at the summit, with the stone where the deity sat being called the "Iwakura." Another belief suggests that the place name "Asuke" originated because the deity placed their feet in the direction of the present-day Asuke Hachimangu Shrine. Until the first year of the Meiji era, there was a shrine called "Chikumiya" at the summit, later relocated to the current Asuke Hachimangu Shrine.
The entrance to Iimori Hill is the approach along the Kawa River leading to Kojuji Temple. Following the shrine's approach will take you to Kojuji Temple. When heading to the summit, be sure to visit Kojuji Temple.
- Iimori Hill Information
- Address: Asuke, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at Korankei Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- Phone: 0565-62-1272 (Toyota City Asuke Sightseeing Association)
Korankei Erythronium Japonicum Cluster
The Erythronium Japonicum (カタクリ), also known as the Dogtooth Violet, is a plant native to Japan. Often cultivated for ornamental purposes in bonsai or garden flower beds, the Japanese also enjoy deep-frying Erythronium Japonicum as a delicacy known as "Tempura." This exquisite culinary delight not only tantalizes the taste buds but is also nutritionally rich, contributing significantly to one's overall health.
In Korankei, a cluster of Erythronium Japonicum flourishes on the northwest slope of Iimori Hill, covering an area of approximately 5000 square meters. It is said that the flowering period for Erythronium Japonicum takes 7-8 years to manifest. The natural growth of Erythronium Japonicum in Korankei has been carefully nurtured and protected over an extended period to attain its current size, and during the warm days of mid-March, they burst into full bloom.
The poetic verses of Manyoshu's "Otomono Yohina Mochi" mention the name of this flower, stating, "The cold flower on the temple well is drawn by the eighty daughters of the deity Yorozu in Motofu."
Known as the "fleeting plant of spring" due to its stunning blossoms, Erythronium Japonicum remain closed during rainy, overcast, or cooler days. During the early spring season, why not take a leisurely stroll along Korankei on sunny, warm days?
- Erythronium Japonicum Cluster Information
- Address: Asuke, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk a short distance.
- Official Website: http://asuke.info/view/shizen/entry-55.html
- Phone: 0565-62-1272 (Toyota City Asuke Sightseeing Association)
Kojaku-ji Temple（香積寺）
Kojaku-ji Temple, known as the ancestral temple of maple trees, is an ancient Zen temple established in the year 1427 (Daiei 34). It stands on the site of the former residence of the Tazuke family, who once ruled the area.
Situated at the heart of the picturesque Korankei, renowned for its autumn foliage, the temple's surroundings are adorned with maple and cedar trees, creating a breathtaking panorama. Don't miss the opportunity to discover two ancient cedars planted by the founder, Sanei Osho.
Inside the temple, you'll find artistic horse-shaped maple leaves available in three different colors for just 700 yen each! (Ema refers to a votive tablet used for prayers at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan, usually made of wood and shaped like a pentagon.)
- Kojaku-ji Temple（香積寺）Information
- Address: 39 Iimori, Asuke, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk a short distance.
- Phone: 0565-62-0267
Asukecho (足助町)
Asukecho is an area that preserves its old streetscape and the ambiance of a postal town. It has also been designated as an important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings.
During the Edo period, as highways were constructed across the country, it played a crucial role as a material transfer station along the Ina Highway. Asuke salt, a local specialty, was produced from salt gathered in Mikawa Bay and various other regions in Japan, known for its easy transport.
The charm of Asukecho lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the rows of old houses that still retain the remnants of prosperous postal town establishments. Houses with distinctive architectural styles such as "tsumairi" and "hirairi," white-walled warehouses, lattice doors, black wooden walls, and more create an atmospheric setting. Strolling leisurely through the beautiful alleys lined with warehouses, known as "Manrin Koji," you'll experience a nostalgic and gentle ambiance.
- Asukecho Information
- Address: Asukecho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus Saashita Asuke Line (towards Momosan), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Mikawa Line/Toyota Line "Toyota City" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yahaba Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk to the destination.
- From Meitetsu Main Line "Higashi Okazaki" Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Okazaki Asuke Line (towards Asuke), alight at "Korankei" Bus Stop, and walk a short distance.
Asuke Castle（城跡公園 足助城）
Asuke Castle opened in 1993 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Asukecho. On the mountain, buildings such as Takaya, Nagaya, Monomilu, and Kuriya have been restored.
Unlike castles with stone walls and main towers, this mountain castle from the Warring States period has been recreated based on excavation research. As Japan's first restored mountain castle, it holds a high reputation. For castle enthusiasts, this is an irresistible place.
- Asuke Castle（城跡公園 足助城）Information
- Address: 39-2 Suzuke, Asuke Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Phone: 0565-62-0770
- Public Transportation:
- From Meitetsu Toyota Line Jotosui Station/Mikawa Line Sarunobu Station, take the Meitetsu Oiden Bus to "Ichinotaniguchi" Bus Stop and walk for 40 minutes.
- Take the Meitetsu Bus to "Korankei Ichinotaniguchi" and walk for 40 minutes.
- Admission Fee: Adults 300 yen, High school students 100 yen, Junior high school students and below are free.
- Opening Hours: 09:00 to 16:30 (Entry stops at 16:00)
- Closed: Every Thursday (except April 29 to May 5 and November), December 25 to January 5
- Website: http://asukejo.com/
