Korankei Valley is one of the most famous spots in Japan for autumn leaves. Every November, the valley is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere where the brilliant red and golden maple trees glow against the dark sky. Visitors can stroll along the Tomoe River, enjoy the reflection of the lights on the water, and experience one of Japan’s most breathtaking autumn scenes. The illuminated landscape feels both romantic and traditional, making it a must-see seasonal event.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nagoya station
- Please meet me at the rotary right outside the Gold Clock or Sakura-dori Exit of Nagoya Station, next to the taxi stand. If you’re unsure where that is, just ask a station attendant or nearby shop staff or call me and I’ll tell you the way:)
Korankei Valley
Korankei Valley, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, is one of the most famous spots in Japan for autumn leaves. Every November, the valley is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere where the brilliant red and golden maple trees glow against the dark sky. Visitors can stroll along the Tomoe River, enjoy the reflection of the lights on the water, and experience one of Japan’s most breathtaking autumn scenes. The illuminated landscape feels both romantic and traditional, making it a must-see seasonal event.
Lunch at Yatai (Japanese food stall)
Food & Dining in Korankei Valley
During the autumn illumination, Korankei is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its local food. Along the Tomoe River, visitors will find many festival food stalls offering seasonal treats such as grilled river fish, miso-dengaku (tofu or konnyaku with sweet miso sauce), and local sweets. These stalls create a lively festival atmosphere where you can walk, eat, and enjoy the lights at the same time.
For those who prefer a sit-down meal, there are also traditional Japanese restaurants and cafés in the area. Some specialize in soba or udon noodles, while others offer set meals featuring local ingredients. Eating while surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and illuminated scenery makes the experience even more memorable.
Walking through the valley
Before getting dark, let’s enjoy the autumn leaves in the beautiful locations. The Red bridge makes it more beautiful.
Tea time
If you’d like to enjoy some tea at Kōrankei, there is a traditional teahouse near the Taigetsukyō Bridge.
It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, where you can sit on tatami mats and enjoy matcha green tea with a small Japanese sweet.
The view of the river and the autumn leaves is beautiful, especially in November.
There are also a few cafés along the main street toward the temple, selling Japanese-style desserts and roasted green tea, called Hōjicha.
It’s a nice way to take a short break while exploring the valley.
Temple sight seeing
Going through the Bally and visiting the temple with autumn leaves.
Korankei Light up
Kōrankei is one of the most stunning spots in Japan to see autumn leaves, and its night illumination makes it truly magical.
From mid-November to early December, the entire valley is beautifully lit up after sunset.
You can walk along the river under glowing maple trees that reflect on the water — it feels like stepping into a dream.
The best time to visit is just after sunset, around 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., when the air is cool and the colors are at their brightest.
Don’t forget your camera — every step offers a perfect photo.
It’s one of those unforgettable experiences that capture the real beauty of Japan’s autumn.
Ending Point
Nagoya station
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
・Guide fee
・Driving fee
・Private transportation fee
・Type of a car used: Toyota Hiace van
・Car insurance fee
・Arrangement fee
・Gasoline fee
・Toll fee
・Parking fee
・Public transportation fee for you and the guide around 1000yen per person if used
・Price for the tickets and entrance fee around 2000yen per person per day if used
・Price for the foods and drinks for you and the guide
Around 5000yen per person per day
・Your souvenirs and personal expenses during the tour
As much as you are going to buy:)
・This tour might involve a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
・Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
・Since we are traveling on a private van, we can carry some bigger luggages.
・Some places does not accept credit cards, so you might need cash.
I’ve spent two years traveling all around Japan, exploring every prefecture with my own eyes. With this firsthand experience and access to a wide range of local knowledge, I can help you plan an unforgettable journey—one that goes beyond the typical tourist spots.
From local gourmet treasures and hidden gems to the most popular sights and places only locals know, I’ll make sure you experience the very best of Japan. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors, trendy food spots, or scenic routes off the beaten path, I’ll tailor the trip to your interests.
If you are interested in specific places or things, please send me a message. I can search about it and offer you the best tour!
Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to guide you with care and make your time in Japan truly special!
if you could make a permanent reservation 1 month before the travel, I can support you well and you'll be able to enjoy Japan to the most.
Hello!
my name is Masa
“Private Car Tour Guide”, anywhere in Japan.
Just send me a message of where and what you wanna do!
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I was born in Japan and grew up in the United States.
After returning to Japan, I've worked all across the country. I spent a year traveling around Japan in a car that I DIY-converted into a camper. I hope to share the experiences and the knowledges of how to enjoy our culture to the most with people from all over the world.
I would like to introduce Japan's beautiful tourist spots that you can enjoy in every season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—along with local delicacies beloved by the people in each area, and how to enjoy the unique cultures rooted in each region, such as: sushi, wagyu beef, cherry blossoms, rich milk bread, fluffy pancakes, convenient store's meals and snacks, maid cafe, izakaya(restaurant specialized to drink an alcohol), sake factory and so on.
I can create an original itinerary based on your interests! I’ll guide you with my private van anywhere in Japan from Hokkaido(top part of Japan) to Okinawa(bottom part of Japan). Without being restricted by public transportation schedules, allowing for more freedom in your travel. This is something only someone who has traveled the entire country, like me, can do! I’ll support you to the most, so please enjoy your time in Japan to the fullest!
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We also offer airport/port transfer service and sightseeing car tours throughout Japan. Please send me a message for more details. We can also provide vehicles according to the number of passengers, from one person to a group.
In Tokyo, we can also arrange for you to experience making character bento lunches during your car tour.
Please feel free to contact us.
For over few years, we have arranged lot of high quality tours per year with no accidents. Our service will surely make your trip to Japan more comfortable and memorable.
We look forward to seeing you in Japan!
$521/ per group
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