The peak season to see the autumn leaves will arrive imminently at the popular autumn tourist spots Korankei and Shikizakura Park in Toyota, Aichi which are being celebrated with festivals that are currently running until November 30.
When talking about famous autumn leaf spots in Toyota, Korankei is the one that always crops up, but in recent years more people have come to learn about Shikizakura Park which has now become another must-visit location during the fall season. Close to 10,000 four-season cherry blossoms decorate the mountain surfaces in the area along with maple trees.
The highlight of the Korankei Maple Festival is the light up of Mt. Iimori. The mountain will turn a golden colour from the trees as Taigetsukyo Bridge and Tomoe River are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
The thing to see at the Shikizakura Park Cherry Blossom Festival is the herbarium workshop where attendees can experience handmaking their own herbariums from Japanese paper. You must book a place in advance to join in so be sure to check the official website.
A special bus is also running to and from both Korankei and Shikizakura Park from November 10 to 30.
Enjoy autumn in full bloom at Toyota, Aichi.
Information
Korankei Maple Festival
Running: November 1, 2018 – November 30, 2018
Location: Korankei (Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi Prefecture)
Access: 20-minutes from Toyota-Matsudaira Interchange via the Tokai Loop Expressway
Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/782/?bl=krm
Shikizakura Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Running: November 1, 2018 – November 30, 2018
Location: Toyota (Aichi Prefecture), Shikizakura Park, Senmi Shikizakura Four Seasons Cherry Blossom, and elsewhere
Access: 20-minutes from Toyota-Matsudaira Interchange via the Tokai Loop Expressway
Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/291/?bl=skz
Limited Run Bus – Korankei to Shikizakura Park (香嵐渓・小原四季桜バス)
Running: November 11, 2018 – November 30, 2018
Price: ¥500 (Korankei to Shikizakura Park)
Details: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/columns/detail/3/?bl=kob
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Rinno-ji Temple in Nikko is a recognised World Heritage Site that is home to the Shoyo-en, a Japanese-style garden famous for its autumn-time leaves. An all-new annual light-up event began running at the garden on October 25. Shoyo-en was built in the early years of the Edo period as a garden for the head priest of Rinno-ji, a temple with a history spanning over 1250 years. Construction was completed during the Kan'ei period, but it has undergone numerous renovations and as a result has become famous as a garden where you can see changes across the whole Edo Period. It houses many species of tree including various types of Japanese maple.
An event commemorating the completion of the Tayuin, the mausoleum of Ieyasu, will also take place during the running of the illuminations. Use this opportunity to visit a famous spot in Japan during autumn. Information
Shoyo-en Light Up
Running: October 25, 2018 – November 15, 2018
Light-Up Time: 17:00-20:00 (Last Entries 19:00)
Price: ¥500 (Free for pre-school children and children accompanied by a parent or guardian)
*Sanbutsudo light-up also taking place (¥500)
Garden Entry Time: 08:00-17:00 (08:00-16:00 on November 11)
Entry Price: ¥300 (¥100 for children)
Rinnoji Temple Website: http://rinnoji.or.jp/
Tayuin Completion Commemoration Light-Up
Running: November 2-4, 2018
Time: 16:30-20:00 (Last Entries 19:30)
Nikko Light-Up
Running: November 9-11, 2018
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Eizan Electric Railway and the Kibune Tourist Association are teaming up to hold an autumn illumination event which will run from November 3 to 25.
This marks the 16th run of the event which will once more be held in co-operation with Kyoto Hanatouro who will provide paper lanterns and spotlights. The Momiji Tunnel, Ninose Station and Kibuneguchi Station along with Kifune Shrine and elsewhere will be lit up with enchanting illuminations. As the train runs through the Momiji Tunnel―a tunnel of maple trees―it will cut its lights and slow down for passengers to enjoy riding past the lit-up magical maples with autumnal hues. The path leading up to Kifune Shrine as well as the main shrine itself too will glow with warm colours. Take in the spectacle of Japanese autumn-time at Kifune Shrine in Kyoto. Information
16th Kibune Momiji Tourou
Running: November 3, 2018 – November 25, 2018
Illumination Time: Sunset to 21:00
Locations
Kifune Shrine – Shrine grounds and surrounding area (approx. 1,000m)
Eizan Electric Railway – Ninose Station and Kibuneguchi Station
Eizan Electric Railway – Momiji Tunnel (Ichihara Station to Ninose Station) (approx. 250m)Special Bus Run: (Kibuneguchi Station Bus Stop – Kibune Rinji Bus Stop) Special bus service with Kyoto Bus until 21:00
Train Schedule: (Autumn Leaf Weekday Schedule) Weekdays from November 5 to 30
<Eizan Main Line> 10:00-15:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes. Normally every 20 minutes)<Kurama Line> 10:00-15:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes. Normally every 20 minutes)・Demachiyanagi Station – Nikenchaya Station (2 trains every hour until 12:00)
Train Schedule: (Autumn Leaf Holiday Schedule) Saturdays & Holidays from November 3 to 25
<Eizan Main Line> 09:00-18:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Running approx. every 6 to 13 minutes. Normally every 15 minutes)
<Kurama Line> 09:00-18:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 13 to 15 minutes. Normally every 15 minutes)<Kurama Line> 19:00-20:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes)
Website: http://momiji-tourou.xii.jp
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Ghibli Park Phase 1 will open to the public on November 1 in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture at Moricoro Park within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Ahead of the exciting day, fans are getting their first glimpse at the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area! For those looking to immerse themselves in the world of Ghibli, look no further. Phase 1 will see the opening of a theater, a shop, a cafe, and three unique exhibits.
Cinema Orion
The theater will screen ten short films that were previously only available to watch at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.Trio of Special Exhibitions
The Famous Scenes Exhibition will invite guests to pretend to be a character in their favorite Ghibli films, stepping directly into recreated scenes. In addition, due to how often fans claim that food in Ghibli films looks exceptionally tasty, a special exhibition from the Ghibli Museum is also coming to Ghibli Park featuring these delectable-looking treats.The on-site store and cafe will also be selling original products only available at the park. A new trailer has been released for the park as well, showing what fans can look forward to in November. Tickets for Ghibli Park will go on sale on the 10th of each month and are reservation-only, with a date and time assigned for each area. Lottery sales for December admission will run from September 10 until September 21 at 23:59. © Studio Ghibli Information
Ghibli Park
Phase 1 Opening: November 1, 2022
Address: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (1533 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi)
Official Website: https://ghibli-park.jp/
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu inspired music lovers around the world in April when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on Earth. The second half of the singer’s 10th anniversary nationwide tour 31-show has begun, gaining even more momentum following the announcement of a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in October. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. As with past concert locations, a new collaboration has been announced ahead of Kyary’s June 19 performance in Aichi Prefecture.
Since its opening in 1916, Myokoen has been providing high-quality tea leaves to tea lovers around Japan. The store is known for its hojicha, or roasted green tea, which is made by roasting the leaves over a gentle flame. With a particular focus on aroma, taste, and color, this secret blend of tea leaves is selected by tea masters from all over the country. Kyary’s collaboration with Myokoen draws inspiration from the singer’s 6th single Invader Invader (2013), in which a fashionable alien played by Kyary seeks to take over the world. The tea shop’s logo has been transformed with a bit of pop flare. Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project 'Invader Hojicha': ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
The special product released for the new collaboration is the Myokoen and LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Invader Hojicha. The recipe for the tea has remained unchanged for over six decades and this blend focuses on the golden color of fresh green tea after it has been roasted. This release features new packaging, and those interested can purchase a package at all Myokoen shops and on the company’s online store. Limited quantities will also be sold at the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s Main Hall starting at 2:00 on June 19, 2022.Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project T-shirt: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only!Information
Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project ‘Invader Hojicha’
Running: June 13 – July 31, 2022 *While supplies last.
Where to Buy: Myokoen Stores, Myokoen Online Shop
Online Shop: https://www.myokoen-shop.com
Myokoen (Aichi Prefecture) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project T-Shirt
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop:
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/ -
Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture will be taken over by NAKED projection mapping and events with a spring theme from March 22 until April 3, 2022.
NAKED Tsukubai - Spring Ver.
NAKED Distanced Lanterns - Spring Ver.
Projection-Mapping 'Sakura Pilgrimage' *Spring Exclusive
'Sando Illumination - Rim of Light' Spring Ver.
NAKED Flower Fortune Telling - Spring Ver.
The Tokyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE is being transformed as spring approaches, and popular NAKED attractions are being reimagined with cherry blossoms in mind. The popular NAKED Tsukubai, in which guests have their hands purified with art, will show cherry blossoms blooming. The NAKED Distanced Lanterns, made to encourage social distancing, will also feature a sakura theme. Visitors can also participate in Flower Fortune Telling, which has been very popular across social media. Why not come see the temple illuminated with cherry blossoms?Information
Toyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE
Locataion: Toyokawa Inari
Running: March 22 – April 3, 2022
Tickets:
Ticket Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/toyokawa-yorumo-de/
Supporters Club: https://yorumo-de.com/ticket
Official Site: https://event.naked.works/yoru-mo-de/ -
Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture is one of the most beloved historical spots in Japan. The fourth-largest castle in the country and the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the spot was illuminated by an impressive projection mapping event in early January. Now, thanks to a new video of the show, people around the world can experience it for themselves! During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks were shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks made appearances as well, along with more modern digital art. The 16.4-meter wide and 11-meter high gate to the castle was also covered in brilliant lights! Video Recording of Event
In 1959, Okazaki Castle’s tower was reconstructed, and in 2006, the location was selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan. Each floor inside the castle has a different theme, and the location’s history is introduced through a collection of exhibits and a diorama theater. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation room on the 5th floor The creators of the event hope that visitors and viewers from around the world can experience Japanese culture, art, and tradition through digital entertainment. Information
Okazaki Castle Main Gate Projection Mapping
Dates: January 8 – January 10
Address: Okazaki Castle in Okazaki Park (561-1 Kosei-cho, Okazaki City)
Official Site: https://www.hitohata.jp
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The Aichi Prefectural Government announced that part of the Studio Ghibli theme park will open on November 1 in the city of Nagakute. During the announcement, the first video and key visual of the park was released, both created by Studio Ghibli. The tourism video highlights the appeal of Aichi Prefecture and features local tourist spots, encouraging those visiting the theme park to also spend some time touring the prefecture.
Three areas of the Ghibli Park will open on November 1 of this year: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. Two additional areas–Mononoke’s Village and the Valley of the Witches–are scheduled to open in November 2023. Ghibli no Daisoko (Ghibli's Grand Warehouse)
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Serving as the entrance to the park, the Hill of Youth features a yellow observation tower which will double as the main gate. The area will showcase the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart, featuring curiosities from films like Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. The Hill of Youth will also feature a mini version of the Cat Bureau from the movie The Cat Returns.Dondoko Mori (Dondoko Forest)
Dondoko Forest will feature Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro. A completely immersive experience, guests will notice that much of the local nature is intact–Miyazaki himself asked that no trees were to be cut down in the building of the park. Which Ghibli film would you like to see brought to life at Ghibli Park? © Studio GhibliInformation
Ghibli Park
Opening Date: November 1, 2022
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Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture has a fascinating history, known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu and once the fourth largest castle in Japan. Now, a new projection-mapping event by the digital artist group Hitohata will cover the main gate of the structure in incredible lights from November 12 to November 14. During the event, incredible images of the city’s cultural assets and artworks will be brilliantly shone on the gate, including those by Reizi Tamechika. The region’s popular Mikawa Fireworks will proudly make appearances as well, along with more modern digital art.
At the same time, the Sakurajo Bridge x FORUM 8 Central Rally 2021, also produced by Hitohata, will be held at the nearby Sakurajo Bridge. Information
Okazaki Castle Main Gate Projection Mapping
Running: November 12 – November 14, 2021
Hours: 18:00-21:00
Address: Okazaki Castle in Okazaki Park (561-1 Kosei-cho, Okazaki City)
Admission: Free, no reservations required
Official Site: https://www.hitohata.jp