Autumn Leaf Season Viewing｜Mino Ancient Street + Monet's Pond + Korankei One-Day Tour - Small Luxury Group
【Autumn Leaf Wonderland・Monet's Pond】
Visit Monet's Pond next to Nemichi Shrine in autumn, where the clear water reflects the vibrant red leaves. Water lilies and koi swim amidst the reflections of red maples, creating a scene like a flowing Impressionist oil painting. It is the perfect spot for autumn photography, fully capturing the seasonal atmosphere.
【Ancient Street Maple Charm・Mino Udatsu Wall Historical District】
Stroll through the centuries-old Mino Udatsu Wall Historical District, where Edo-style wooden townhouses are nestled among autumn leaves. Wander through the quaint streets, feel the unique tranquility of the home of Washi paper, and experience the autumn scenery of an old Japanese street set against a backdrop of red maples.
【Korankei Autumn Leaf Feast】
Head to Korankei, a famous Japanese autumn leaf viewing destination, and enjoy the fiery red maple leaves covering the mountains along the stream. The stream and red leaves complement each other, creating a breathtaking, immersive experience of Japan's autumn beauty.
【Comfortable Private Charter Car Maple Viewing Tour】
We use Toyota Alphard or 10-seater business vans for the entire journey, providing spacious and comfortable seating. Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off are available for hotels within 2 km of Nagoya Station, eliminating the need for public transport transfers and making travel with luggage easy.
【Ample Time for Maple Viewing】
The itinerary is relaxed, with plenty of time reserved at each spot for maple viewing. No rushing through attractions, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the autumn scenery and take photos to your heart's content.
Package Options
Product Info
Itinerary Core: Depart from Nagoya for a one-day trip featuring a real-life Impressionist painting, a thousand-year-old Edo street, and a top-tier Japanese autumn leaf secret spot. Reject the rush of large bus tours; this is designed for those who seek photography, autumn scenery, and a comfortable experience.
Why choose this route?
Dreamy Monet Masterpiece - Monet's Pond: Visit the secret pond next to Nemichi Shrine. Clear, mirror-like water floats with colorful water lilies, koi swim beneath, and autumn leaves reflect on the surface, perfectly recreating the dreamy colors of Claude Monet's Water Lilies series. It is a highly artistic spot for autumn leaf photography.
Travel Through Edo Ancient Streets - Mino Udatsu Wall Historical District: Stroll through an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings with 400 years of history. The towering, ornate Udatsu firewalls tell of the former prosperity of paper merchants. We reserve plenty of time for lunch and wandering. Compared to the crowded streets of Kyoto, this place is quiet in autumn, with red leaves adorning the ancient buildings, creating a perfect atmosphere.
Korankei Autumn Leaf Feast - Korankei: A super popular autumn leaf viewing spot in central Japan. Walk along the stream trails covered in red maples, where the stream and leaves reflect each other. The mountains are painted in layers of color, making for a stunning autumn scene. It is a secret spot in the central region that you cannot miss.
Ultimate Luxury Experience - Group of 4: Minimized group size ensures privacy and flexibility. Whether traveling with family, a partner, or friends, enjoy the exclusivity of a private charter car.
Comfortable Business Van: Using Toyota Alphard or comfortable business vans with spacious seats and independent air conditioning, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on winding mountain roads.
Pure Travel, No Shopping: No shopping stops throughout the journey; all time is dedicated to autumn leaves, scenery, and free exploration.
▼Mino Ancient Street: In Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, the Udatsu Wall Historical District is like a living Edo-period scroll, vividly presenting the urban lifestyle from 1603-1868. The Udatsu-style architecture along the street is full of ancient charm, with the mansions of wealthy merchants being particularly eye-catching—towering roofs decorated with intricate gables stand in rows, silently telling the story of the former owners' prominent status and immense wealth. During the Edo period, Mino City rose as a commercial hub thanks to the Mino Washi paper industry, with its paper sold far and wide, creating a legendary tale of prosperity.
▼Monet's Pond: Named for its striking resemblance to the Water Lilies series by Impressionist master Claude Monet. Located near Nemichi Shrine, this pond was originally an ordinary reservoir, but after years of natural evolution and careful human maintenance, it has become a poetic and beautiful spot. Water lilies float on the surface, colorful koi swim beneath, and the surrounding trees and flowers reflect on the clear water, creating a moving picture. This scene shares the same charm as the landscapes depicted in Monet's Water Lilies series, making one feel as if they are inside one of his paintings.
Korankei is a very famous autumn leaf viewing spot in Japan's Tokai region, located on the Tomoe River in Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. It is renowned for its autumn foliage. Every November, about 4,000 maple trees gradually turn red, forming a spectacular autumn scene. In addition to autumn leaves, Korankei has different natural scenery throughout the four seasons. In spring, you can enjoy pale purple dogtooth violets; in summer, it is full of fresh green; and in winter, you can experience a different kind of charm amidst the withered vegetation. The name Korankei comes from the 'Ko' of Kojaku-ji Temple and the 'Ran' of the mist (ran-ki) rising from the valley. 'Ran-ki' also implies clear air. Kojaku-ji is an ancient Soto Zen temple built in 1427, located in the heart of Korankei. The temple also sells maple-shaped Ema (votive tablets) for visitors. From November 1st to 30th every year, Korankei holds a Maple Festival, where in addition to daytime viewing, there are evening illumination events.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Aichi Prefecture - Gifu Prefecture
Duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Business van, premium business van
Bus Company: RBC Daichi Kanko or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 4
Tour Leader: None
Tour Guide: None
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: Chowa Travel Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-18 Tadetsucho, Gifu City
License Number: Gifu Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-328
Travel Agency Association: ANTA Full Member
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 09:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The color change of autumn leaves is affected by temperature and weather, and viewing conditions are uncertain; we cannot guarantee the viewing of autumn leaves.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry any items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your own rights.
During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. You are responsible for any accidents or losses resulting from ignoring warnings.
Travelers aged 70 (inclusive) and older must ensure they are in good health for travel and be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or older throughout the trip.
Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult traveler throughout the trip.
We are committed to providing you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we may need to flexibly adjust the itinerary based on actual conditions. Thank you for your understanding and support.
FAQ
1. How long should I plan to spend in the Mino Ukai Old Town?
The Mino Ukai Old Town, with its centuries-old Edo-style wooden machiya houses, is recommended for a visit of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows you to stroll through the quaint streets, savor the tranquil atmosphere unique to this paper-making region, and experience the autumn scenery of the Japanese ancient town amidst the vibrant red maples, enjoying the cultural landscapes at a leisurely pace.
2. What are the notable attractions in the Mino Ukai Old Town?
The Mino Ukai Old Town is renowned for its distinctive 'Udaar' (fireproof walls), which showcase Edo-period architectural features. While wandering, besides admiring the ancient wooden machiya houses, you can visit the Mino Washi Lamp Museum to learn about the local washi paper culture. You'll also feel the rich historical atmosphere and the charm of the ancient town in autumn at many long-established shops and cafes.
3. When is the best time to see the autumn leaves at Kōrankei Valley?
The peak viewing season for autumn leaves at Kōrankei Valley typically falls in mid to late November each year. During this time, the maple trees lining both sides of the valley turn a fiery red, creating a magnificent spectacle of layered forests. To ensure you witness the most beautiful foliage, it is recommended to check the official local autumn leaf forecast before your visit to catch the best viewing period.
4. What is the most convenient way to get to Kōrankei Valley from Nagoya city center?
The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Nagoya city center to Kōrankei Valley is by private car service. This tour offers pick-up and drop-off at hotels within 2 kilometers of Nagoya Station, with transportation provided in comfortable business vehicles such as the Toyota Alphard or a 10-seater minibus. This eliminates the hassle of planning routes and transferring via public transport, allowing you to enjoy your autumn leaf viewing trip with ease and relaxation, without worrying about transportation.
5. Until what time does the illumination event at Kōrankei Valley usually last during the autumn leaf festival?
The night illumination event during the Kōrankei Valley autumn leaf festival typically continues until around 9 PM. During the autumn leaf season, usually from mid to late November, Kōrankei Valley is illuminated at night, casting the abundant maple leaves in a completely different, magical light compared to daytime. This creates a unique autumn atmosphere and offers an excellent opportunity to experience the valley's nighttime autumn foliage.
6. What are the special autumn sights at Monet's Pond?
Monet's Pond transforms into a stunning 'autumn leaf wonderland' in the fall. Its clear waters beautifully reflect the surrounding colorful autumn leaves. Water lilies and koi carp gracefully swim amidst the vibrant reflections of the maple leaves, creating a scene that resembles a flowing Impressionist oil painting. It's an incredibly atmospheric autumn experience and a must-see dreamy waterscape during the foliage season, as well as a fantastic spot for photos.
7. Are there recommended photography spots at Monet's Pond and Kōrankei Valley for autumn scenery?
At Monet's Pond, the best photo opportunities are capturing the reflections of autumn leaves, water lilies, and koi carp on the water's surface to create a painterly effect. At Kōrankei Valley, it's recommended to stroll along the Tomoe River valley and photograph the interplay of the stream and the maple leaves on either bank. The area near Tagetsukyo Bridge is a classic vantage point for capturing the bridge alongside the autumn foliage. The lighting effects during the nighttime illumination are particularly breathtaking.
8. Besides the autumn leaves at Kōrankei Valley, are there other nearby places to enjoy autumn scenery?
In addition to the spectacular autumn leaves at Kōrankei Valley, you can also visit Monet's Pond next to Kon'dō Shrine to admire its unique autumn water reflections and experience an Impressionist painting-like atmosphere. Furthermore, the Edo-style machiya houses of the Mino Ukai Old Town offer a distinctly rustic and elegant autumn charm when set against the backdrop of fall foliage. This makes it an ideal choice for combining natural and cultural sightseeing, enriching your autumn journey.
