Korankei Gorge | Japan Highlights Travel, for sightseeing around Tokaido

Sanei, a priest from Kojaku-ji Temple, planted the first maple trees in Korankei Gorge in 1634 in hopes that they would make the beautiful nature there even more beautiful, and up to the present day some 4,000 trees have been planted there, making the place a famous spot to go and see vividly colored autumn foliage. It is said that there are as many as 11 different kinds of maple trees in Korankei Gorge, and species which can be seen there include Japanese maple trees and mountain maple trees. Part of the pleasure of admiring the autumn colors comes from being able to compare the shapes of all the different kinds of leaves. The maple trees are illuminated during the Momiji Matsuri festival period, and the effect is truly fantastic.