Many people have still remembered Korankei as the native land of maple trees, because they say that a hermit planted the first maple trees here hundreds of years ago, making the valley autumn leaves Korankei the way it is now.

As a nature lover, I probably love Japan most during 2 seasons: the cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves season.

Korankei appears to be a colorful picture in the autumn atmosphere of Japan, with maple trees filling the sky and reflecting on the Tomoe river.

If you're in Aichi Prefecture, traveling by car to Korankei will save time and be much more convenient, but come early in order to find the nearest parking lot. This place attracts a large variety of visitors going sightseeing, so it is usually very crowded in November.

I chose to get there by taking the electric train from Jousui Station of Meitetsu Toyota Line, then an hour bus trip.

Accompanying me that time was a small Canon camera. Even though I went there alone, I felt really excited, and the view there, indeed, didn't disappoint me at all!

Walking along the path leading to the valley, I could see small stores selling food and even cute souvenirs on both sides of the road. The heavenly and rich smell of Yaki Mochi and sausages made of pork emitting from the stores would make anyone feel even hungrier.

Beyond that was the entrance to the museum with an entry ticket of around 300 yen. The interior of the museum was decorated with items from long ago like plows, harrows, weeding hoes, shovels .etc. It seems that many Japanese from the old times did the impossible with their bare hands.

From the iconic bridge Taigetsukyo leading over Tomoe river, the redness of the bridge appeared to blend in with that of the scenery, making a picture of nature unique to Korankei.

Standing on the bridge, we could get to enjoy the panoramic view of red leaves covering the whole sky. The bridge along with the view there was very familiar because I used to see them printed on large-scale posters and advertised in various train and bus stations.

This bridge is a favorite selfie spot for visitors, including me!

My curiosity and sense of exploration led me here last November, also when the Momiji Korankei festival was taking place. The festival lasted for about a month from November 1st to November 30th.

During this period, the entire woods would be lit among the foliages from sunrise until 9:00 p.m, with the fantastic view appeared entirely different from that during the day. At that moment, I felt that the riverside was strangely and sparklingly beautiful as if the foliages themselves had been shining, lighting up the sky.

Korankei is definitely a spot you can't miss if you want to go autumn-leaves viewing and take lots of nice photos. The brilliant view, the cool and fresh air, the activities of the Momiji festival have totally pleased each and every visitor when they came here.

I'll definitely take my friends and family along with me next time to relish this lovely sight of nature together! How about you? Try visiting Korankei as soon as possible!