Korankei

The old streetscape of Atsuta in Korankei is a historic merchant town designated as an important traditional building preservation district by the government. Atsuta's streetscape flourished as a post town on the Ina Highway during the Edo period, where salt was transported by pack horses. The old buildings, such as white-walled storehouses, lattice doors, and black board walls, and the old houses with mixed gabled and hipped roofs, still remain today, conveying the atmosphere of the post town. Atsuta's streetscape was the first important traditional building preservation district designated in Aichi Prefecture, and the preserved atmosphere of the streetscape is valuable and precious. As it is located in a quiet place surrounded by nature, you can spend a non-daily, extraordinary time. Atsuta's streetscape is the perfect place for travelers who want to enjoy Japan's old-fashioned streetscapes!

Kourankei is famous as a spot for autumn leaves viewing. It began when San'ei, the 11th head priest of Kouzakiji Temple, planted cedar and maple trees in the Kan'ei 11th year of the Edo period, and has since become one of the leading autumn leaves viewing spots in the country. Every year from mid to late November, the autumn leaves reach their peak, and about 4,000 maple trees show their colors. Especially at night when they are lit up, the scenery is beautiful and attracts many tourists. In addition, during the period from November 1st to 30th, the "Kourankei Maple Festival" is held, and various events are held. There is a free parking lot at Kourankei, and there are foot baths and souvenir shops nearby. Furthermore, the surrounding area of Kourankei is filled with beautiful nature throughout the four seasons, and you can also enjoy active tourism such as strolling and trekking!

The Ashikaga Castle Ruins Park is a mountain castle from the Sengoku period. The castle was built by the Kira clan, who became the lords of the castle during the Sengoku period, and was later renovated by the Matsudaira clan. Currently, the castle ruins have been developed into a park, where you can see reconstructed buildings such as the tall tower, row houses, watchtowers, and kitchens, and learn about the appearance of a Sengoku period mountain castle. Ashikaga Castle is located on Mount Mayumi, which has an elevation of 301 meters, and offers a view of the old streets of Ashikaga. Furthermore, Ashikaga Castle is the first castle ruins park in Japan to be developed as a genuine mountain castle based on excavation surveys, allowing you to learn about the characteristics and structure of a Sengoku period mountain castle!

At Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine, a national important cultural property located near Korankei, Toyoda City, Aichi Prefecture, the main hall is a characteristic example of the architectural style of the Muromachi period. It is said to have been built in the second year of the Hakuhou era (673) during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. The shrine houses numerous valuable cultural assets, including donations from the Ashikaga Shogunate until the early Meiji period and an ema (votive picture tablet) depicting the "Teppou Ogi Teki Uchi Zu" (a design of a gun fan used in rifle shooting competitions at the 18th Tokyo Olympics). Ashikaga Hachiman Shrine is known as an attractive tourist destination, and many tourists visit during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. With its high historical and cultural value, it is worth visiting as one of Japan's traditional and picturesque tourist spots.

Mikawa Asuke Yashiki is a folk museum located in Asuke-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. This facility, which opened in 1980, reproduces a former wealthy farmer's residence. The Nagaya gate, main house, and bamboo house are all thatched wooden buildings. The site area is 3,068m², the building area is 655m², and the total floor area is 753m², all on one floor. Mikawa Asuke Yashiki exhibits a large number of historical information such as Asuke charcoal making, farming, daily necessities, and silk weaving, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's history and culture. Mikawa Asuke Yashiki is one of the tourist spots in Asuke and is a place you should visit when you visit Korankei!