The strength-sapping hot summer is behind us and the cool, refreshing autumn is here. From mid-October to late November the green landscape turns into a patchwork quilt of yellow, orange, red, gold, and brown. Like the cherry blossoms in spring, this is compulsory
viewing. Here are some of the more accessible spots for you to visit.
Yagoto San Kousho Temple (Yagoto-san-kousho-ji ͺR»³)
Built in 1686 by the Tokugawa family, this temple is set in a large park in the middle of the Nagoya City and is famous for its five-storied pagoda. It is open all-year-round. The best time to see the autumn colours is between mid and late November.
‘Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 1, Yagoto Station (ͺ) off the Tsurumai or Meijo subway lines. For more information call 052-832-2801 (Japanese only).
‘Website: www.koushoji.or.jp @
Korankei Gorge k
The Korankei Gorge, home to about 4,000 maple trees, is one of the region's best-known spots for viewing the brilliant colours of autumn. To give visitors added pleasure, the gorge is illuminated at night during the foliage-viewing season. The best time to see
them is from the middle through to the end of November. They are lit up in the evenings throughout November from sunset (approx 16:45) to 21:00.
‘Access: From Higashi Okazaki Station ͺθon the Meitetsu Honsen train line, take the Meitetsu bus to the Korankei kstop. The bus departs from #6 bus stop and is bound for Asuke h«h; takes 70 minutes. (see below). For more information, call the
Asuke Tourist Association at 0565-62-1272.
‘Meitetsu Bus to Korankei Gorge from Higashi Okazaki - November 2009 (partial) schedule
Nara Train PassήΗ’EβYt[«ΑΥ
Set against the backdrop of the Kii Mountains, Nara - the ancient capital of Japan - is said to be at its best in the autumn. See Narafs 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Kintetsufs special 3-day rail pass called the gnara sekai-isan free kippuh ήΗ’EβYt[«ΑΥ.
The pass includes a return trip to Nara on Kintetsu trains (excluding Tokkyu - limited express services), unlimited use of Kintetsu trains and Nara Kotsu buses in the Nara area, and discount coupons to over a dozen temples and shrines. Tickets can be purchased up
one 1 month in advance at major Kintetsu stations, as well as at branches of JTB and Kinki Nihon Tourist. English Website: http://bit.ly/nara-kintetsu (short url) English Route Map: http://bit.ly/map-kintetsu
Cost: - prices for children are in ( ); children under 6 are free.
Departing from Kintetsu Nagoya 4840 Yen (2420), Kuwana 4450 (2230), Kintetsu Yokkaichi 4310 (2160). In comparison a regular one-way ticket to Nara costs 3750 Yen!
Fancy going hiking, camping, or having a BBQ, but canft get past the language barrier to find out where and when to go?
The Nagoya International Center Information Counter has a whole information section dedicated to the outdoors. Information is in both English and Japanese.
Visitors are free to access the information and make copies for personal use; photocopies are 10 Yen per B &W A4 / A3 / B4 copy. For more information, call or visit the Information Counter at 052-581-0100.
@
‘Camping Information for Aichi (23 sites), Gifu (100), Mie (56), Shizuoka (58), Nagano (29), Fukui (41), Toyama (33), Ishikawa (43), and Yamanashi (39)
‘Hiking & Spa guides (17 sites)
‘Hiking Courses Along the Kintetsu Lines in Mie & Nara (20 courses)
‘BBQ site information for Aichi (51 spots) and the rest of the Chubu area (29 spots)
‘Over 30 short hike guides are also downloadable in a printer-friendly PDF format!
The Nagoya International Center Information Counter has a whole information section dedicated to the outdoors. Information is in both English and Japanese.
