The Korankei Gorge's Maple Festival
As the days get cooler and the air crisp, there’s one place in Aichi that really nails autumn—Korankei Gorge. Known across Japan as one of the top spots for autumn leaves, this picturesque valley in Toyota City explodes into color each November, when around 3,000 Japanese maple trees on Mt. Iimori turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
2025 marks the 70th Korankei Maple Festival, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. The festival runs from Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, with illuminations every night from sunset until 21:00.
Whether you come with family, friends, or someone special, expect crowds, food stalls, riverside walks, and countless photo stops. This is one of those “yep, Japan really is this pretty” destinations.
What Makes Korankei Maple Festival Special?
Korankei Gorge sits near Mt. Iimori, where maples were first planted around 400 years ago by a priest from nearby Kojakuji Temple. Today, those trees are the stars of the show.
When night falls, Mt. Iimori is lit up from sundown to 21:00 every day during the festival, turning the entire slope into a glowing mass of color. Taigetsu Bridge—Korankei’s iconic red bridge—reflects in the Tomoe River below, making it feel like you’re walking through an autumn postcard.
The combination of river, bridge, mountain, and illumination is what makes Korankei stand out from the many other leaf-viewing spots around Nagoya.
2025 Festival Highlights & Events
Night Illumination on Mt. Iimori
This is Korankei’s signature event.
Dates: Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2025
Time: Sunset – 21:00 (no extensions)
The entire mountainside around Mt. Iimori is lit up, with Taigetsu Bridge and the Tomoe River completing the scene.
Bamboo Lanterns at Kojakuji Temple
About 1,000 bamboo lanterns line the stone path up to Kojakuji Temple, creating a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Dates: Weekends from Nov 1–30, 2025
Time: 18:00–20:30
Closed: Mondays
(Closed Nov Nov 24 due to a National Holiday)
Place:
Pathway from the main gate to Kojakuji Temple
Wishing Candles Along Tomoe River
Glass candles line the riverbank near Tomoe Bridge. You can buy one (around ¥500) and add your light—and your wish—to the display.
Dates: Weekends, Nov 8–30, 2025
(No event on Mon, Nov 24)
Time: 18:00–20:30
Place:
Right bank of the Tomoe River
Below Nishi-machi Parking Lot No. 2
Marching Bands & Parades
Korankei leans into its slightly quirky side with a mix of modern and “olden-time” marching bands.
Toyota Illusion Magic Junior Marching Band Traffic Safety Parade
Date: Sun, Nov 9, 2025
Time: From 13:00
Place: Around Asuke’s historic townscape
Olden-Time Marching Band Parade (Chindon-ya style)
Featuring locals in retro costumes, eccentric instruments, and a lot of enthusiasm.
Dates:
Sat, Nov 22 – Tora Chindon group
Mon, Nov 24 (holiday) – Kizuna group
Sat, Nov 29 – Emihana Chindon group
Time:
Around 10:00–15:00
Route:
From Asuke’s historic townscape to Korankei Gorge (Mt. Iimori side)
Extra Activities Around Town
If you want more than just walking and staring up at trees:
DENKEN Traditional Buildings Stamp Rally
Collect stamps at three historic buildings in Asuke (Former Suzuki Residence, Former Taguchi Residence, Asuke Chumakan History Museum) and get a small prize.
Dates: Nov 1–30, 2025
(times follow each facility’s opening hours)
Monkey Show, Dance Performances & More
On certain days you’ll find street performances, dance shows (including Otani High School’s dance club), and small attractions around Korankei Square and the old town area.
As always, events may be cancelled in case of rain, so it’s worth checking the official Toyota tourism site or local updates before you head out.
Cultural and Historical Spots
While you’re there, don’t just walk the gorge and leave. The surrounding area is genuinely interesting:
Asuke Hachimangu Shrine
Known historically as a place travelers prayed for healthy feet, fitting for a village that served as a rest stop along the old routes.
Asuke Castle
A reconstructed mountaintop castle with sweeping views over the town and valley.
Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Living Museum
An open-air folk museum where you can see traditional crafts, such as weaving and indigo dyeing, and get a sense of old mountain village life.
These make great daytime stops before the evening illumination.
Practical Information
70th Korankei Gorge Maple Festival
Dates: Nov 1 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Sun), 2025
Illumination:
Sunset – 21:00 daily during the festival
Location:
Korankei Gorge & Asuke Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Cost:
Entry to the gorge area is free
Sanshu Asuke Yashiki and some events may charge a small fee
Parking:
Paid parking is available around the area (typically around ¥1,000 per entry during peak season)
Best Viewing Time:
Mid–late November, when the leaves usually hit peak color.
More Information,
Toyota Asuke Tourist Association
Tel: 0565-62-1272.
The peak beauty of the autumn leaves is expected to be from mid- to late-November.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing nature walk or want to soak up some Japanese culture, the Korankei Maple Festival has something for everyone. Be sure to visit this breathtaking spot during its peak beauty in mid to late November and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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