Korankei

In 1634 the head priest of Kojakuji, the temple in the gorge, began planting maple seedlings along the approach path. Later residents continued it, and the Tomoe River gorge now carries around four thousand maples of eleven varieties, which is why a small valley an hour from Nagoya becomes one of the most congested places in central Japan for two weeks each November. The Taigetsukyo bridge over the river is the standard viewpoint, and the trees are lit after dark through the season. The varieties were chosen and planted over centuries rather than at once, so the colour comes through in stages from yellow to deep red rather than turning together. Outside November the gorge is a quiet wooded walk with the temple, a restored farmhouse village on the slope, and paths up to a viewpoint - and almost nobody in it.

History

In 1634 Kazuhisa Sanei, 11th head priest of Kōjakuji, is said to have planted maples and cedars along the temple approach, and residents have planted many more since, of some 11 kinds. Asked about the name in 1930, the priest and the hamlet mayor explained it as a balmy, fragrant breeze blowing from Iimori-yama over the Tomoegawa (Wikipedia, Kōrankei).

The landscape

• Four thousand maples - eleven varieties planted from 1634 onward.
• Staged colour - varieties turning in sequence rather than together.
• The Taigetsukyo bridge - the standard view across the gorge.
• Night lighting - the trees lit after dark through the November season.

When to go

Mid to late November. Half a day, arriving very early or on a weekday.

Things to know

November congestion is severe - road queues of hours and full car parks are normal. The gorge is small and the paths become single file. Lighting evenings are the worst for crowds. Outside the season there is little to bring you here.

Nearby

Toyota city is west; Asuke's old town is beside the gorge.

Key facts