Autumn Foliage Season｜Inuyama Castle + Korankei One-Day Tour (Luxury Small Group)
【Autumn Foliage & Historic Castle: Inuyama Castle】 Explore Inuyama Castle, known as the 'White Heron Castle' of Japan, during autumn. The ancient castle tower is set against a backdrop of vibrant red leaves. Climb to the top to overlook the autumn scenery along the Kiso River, where red maples and the historic castle create a unique and beautiful aesthetic.
【Korankei Autumn Foliage Feast】 Head to Korankei, a famous autumn foliage spot in Japan, and enjoy the sea of red maple leaves along the creek. The stream and the red leaves complement each other, creating a stunning, immersive autumn landscape.
【Comfortable Private Charter Car Tour】 The tour uses a Toyota Alphard or a 10-seater business van, providing spacious and comfortable seating. Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off is provided within 2 km of Nagoya Station, eliminating the need to transfer between public transport and allowing you to travel easily with your luggage.
【Ample Time for Sightseeing】 The itinerary is relaxed, with plenty of time reserved at each spot. Avoid the rush and enjoy the autumn scenery at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos.
Package Options
Product Info
—— Group of 4・Comfortable Private Charter Car・Historic Castle Charm・Korankei Foliage Secret Spot ——
Itinerary Highlights: Departing from Nagoya, experience both the **centuries-old castle atmosphere and Japan's top autumn foliage secret spot** in one day. Avoid the rushed nature of large bus tours; this trip is designed for those who value photography, autumn scenery, and a comfortable experience.
Why choose this route?
Stunning Autumn Castle View - Inuyama Castle: Explore the famous Inuyama Castle, surrounded by red maple leaves in autumn. Look down from the heights at the magnificent Kiso River scenery, where ancient architecture, mountains, and rivers blend with the red leaves. It is a must-visit spot for autumn photography around Nagoya.
Korankei Autumn Foliage Feast - Korankei: A super popular autumn foliage spot in central Japan. Walk along the creek surrounded by red maples, where the stream and leaves reflect each other. It is an unmissable autumn secret spot in the Chubu region.
Ultimate Luxury Experience - Group of 4: Small group size ensures privacy and flexibility. Perfect for families, couples, or friends, enjoying the exclusivity of a private charter car.
Comfortable Business Vehicle: Using a Toyota Alphard or comfortable business van with spacious seats and independent air conditioning, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on winding mountain roads.
Pure Sightseeing, No Shopping: No shopping stops throughout the trip; all time is dedicated to the autumn leaves, scenery, and free exploration.
Korankei: A very famous autumn foliage viewing spot in Japan's Tokai region, located on the Tomoe River in Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. It is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves; every November, about 4,000 maple trees gradually turn red, creating a spectacular sight. 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, the area is full of fresh green; and in winter, you can experience the unique charm of the withered landscape. 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 means clear air. Kojaku-ji is an old Soto Zen temple built in 1427, located in the heart of Korankei, where visitors can purchase maple-shaped ema (votive tablets). From November 1st to 30th each year, Korankei holds an Autumn Foliage Festival, where in addition to enjoying the leaves during the day, there are night illumination events.
Inuyama Castle: A castle with a rich historical background, said to be one of the oldest existing castle towers. Its history dates back to the Muromachi period, built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga. This castle is not only a National Treasure of Japan but also one of only five castle towers in Japan designated as a National Treasure. The name of Inuyama Castle comes from its geographical location; it sits on a hill next to the Kiso River, overlooking the surrounding plains. The castle tower has a three-story exterior, but it is actually four stories inside, with two additional hidden floors within the walls—a design that is quite rare among Japanese castle towers. The 'Koran-tei' (balcony hall) on the top floor provides an excellent viewing point, offering panoramic views of magnificent natural landscapes such as Mt. Kiso-Ontake and Mt. Ena.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Aichi Prefecture
Duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Business vehicle, premium business vehicle
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 Chusetsu-cho, Gifu City
License Number: Gifu Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-328
Travel Agency Association: Full member of ANTA (All Nippon Travel Agents Association)
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 of the autumn leaves is affected by temperature and weather, so the viewing experience is subject to uncertainty. We cannot guarantee the state of the foliage.
Please strictly abide by local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry any items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your rights.
During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. We are not responsible for any accidents or losses caused by ignoring safety advice.
Travelers aged 70 and over must ensure they are in good health for travel and must be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or older throughout the trip.
Minors under 18 years of age 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 much time is typically needed to visit Inuyama Castle?
Inuyama Castle, often called the 'White Emperor City of Japan,' primarily features the ancient castle keep, surrounding gardens, and scenic views of the Kiso River banks from its elevated position. Generally, we recommend allocating approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. This allows ample time to leisurely explore, soak in the historical atmosphere, especially during autumn foliage season, ascend to the castle tower for panoramic views, and capture memorable photos.
2. What is the origin of the name Inuyama Castle?
Inuyama Castle is renowned as the 'White Emperor City of Japan' due to its geographical similarity to Bai Di Cheng on China's Yangtze River, both boasting beautiful scenery situated by mountains and water. The name 'Inuyama' directly originates from the name of the region it is located in, 'Inuyama,' and does not have a particularly unique legendary story behind it. This ancient castle has a long history, and its name is closely linked to its geographical location, reflecting local characteristics.
3. What are the transportation arrangements for the chartered tour to Inuyama Castle?
When you join our chartered tour to Inuyama Castle, you'll enjoy the most convenient transportation. The tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off services within a 2 km radius of Nagoya Station, utilizing comfortable Toyota Alphards or 10-seater mini-bus business vehicles. This means you won't have to plan complicated public transport routes or make transfers, allowing you to reach Inuyama Castle easily and comfortably, without the hassle of carrying luggage, for a worry-free autumn foliage trip.
4. What are the unique features of Inuyama Castle worth visiting?
As one of Japan's oldest surviving castle keeps, Inuyama Castle's unique charm lies in allowing you to personally experience the profound sense of Japanese history. Visiting in autumn, the ancient castle keep is nestled amidst vibrant red leaves, creating a spectacular scene where autumn foliage and the old castle complement each other. Ascending to the castle tower offers distant views of the autumn scenery along both banks of the Kiso River, experiencing the unique beauty where historical relics meet natural landscapes. The surrounding area also offers rich cultural experiences, making it an unmissable destination for an in-depth Japan tour.
5. What are the convenient transportation options from Nagoya city to Korankei Valley?
The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Nagoya city to Korankei Valley is by opting for a private chartered pick-up service, such as the hotel pick-up and drop-off within a 2 km radius of Nagoya Station offered by our tour. This allows you to bypass the complexities of planning your own transportation and travel directly to your destination in a spacious and comfortable business vehicle. If you choose public transport, you would first need to take a train from Nagoya to Toyota-shi Station, then transfer to a bus to reach Korankei Valley, which is a relatively time-consuming journey with multiple transfers.
6. Around which month is the best viewing period for the autumn leaves at Korankei Valley?
Korankei Valley, a renowned autumn foliage destination in Japan, typically experiences its peak viewing period for autumn leaves from mid to late November each year. During this time, the maple leaves along the stream turn fiery red, creating a magnificent spectacle of layered, colorful forests. We recommend visiting during this period to personally witness the breathtaking feast of maple leaves covering the mountainsides and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Japanese autumn foliage.
7. What is the specific location of Korankei Valley and what are the nearby attractions?
Korankei Valley is located in Asuke Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is an area along the Tomoe River (Tomoe-gawa) renowned for its stunning autumn foliage. The main attractions are concentrated within the Korankei Valley area itself, including walking paths along the Tomoe River, Taigetsukyo Bridge, and Kōjaku-ji Temple. You can stroll along the stream to admire the fiery red maple leaves on both banks, appreciate the natural scenery where the stream and foliage intertwine, and visit ancient temples to experience the unique charm of Japanese autumn.
8. During the Korankei Valley Autumn Festival, until what time does the night illumination typically last?
The night illumination for the Korankei Valley Autumn Festival usually begins at dusk and continues until around 9:00 PM. During this period, you can enjoy the magical spectacle of the illuminated autumn leaves, creating a different atmosphere from daytime. The maple leaves appear even more brilliant and captivating under the lights, and the reflections in the stream add a touch of dreaminess, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the nighttime charm of Korankei Valley.
