1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Korankei Gorge & Fox Shrines—A Photographer's Paradise

Experience the natural beauty and captivating scenery of Japan on this unforgettable one-day tour, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Travel to the iconic Toyokawa Inari Shrine and capture the serene beauty of its one thousand stone foxes. Marvel at the natural beauty of Korankei Gorge, one of Japan’s top spots for autumn foliage, where the vibrant colors of over 4,000 maple trees reflect off the tranquil waters. Explore Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, a picturesque open-air museum, where rural charms and traditional crafts await.

This tour is not only a photographer’s dream, taking you to some of Nagoya’s most photogenic spots, but also offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and timeless beauty.

Highlights

• Explore one of Japan’s most important Inari Shrine's filled with a thousand stone foxes.
• Stroll through Korankei Gorge's stunning maple trees with vibrant colors.
• Experience traditional crafts at a preserved historical rural village.
• Fill your camera roll with images from some of Japan’s most photogenic locations.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below.

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. 

You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station via our tourist bus toward our first destination. 

Toyokawa Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s “Big Three” Inari shrines—alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga. This stunning complex is home to over 1000 Inari fox statues, each dressed in bright red bibs, guarding the grounds. 

Your guide will provide you with a tour of the shrine and the adjoined Buddhist temple, explaining its fascinating history, while still leaving you plenty of time to go off and explore on your own so you can capture the beauty of this sacred site through your camera lens.

After your visit to the shrine, enjoy a leisurely lunch and free time at Toyokawa’s Omotesando shopping street. This charming, retro-style street is famous for Inari Sushi—a type of sushi made with vinegared rice stuffed inside deep-fried tofu pockets. It’s the perfect chance to try this sweet and savory dish, which some say originated here. Wander through the shops, soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, and perhaps pick up a fox mask souvenir. 

After lunch, we'll hop back on the bus and journey to the picturesque Korankei Gorge, famous for its stunning natural beauty and seasonal displays of vibrant colors.

Korankei Gorge is a beloved destination for nature lovers. And sticking with the theme of “big three,” Korankei is one of Japan’s top three autumn leaf destinations—highly regarded for its 4,000 Japanese maple trees that transform the landscape with rich reds and golds each autumn. 

But Korankei is not just an autumn wonder—each season brings its own unique charm, from wildflowers in spring to vibrant green foliage in summer, and romantic snowy scenery in winter.

We'll take a scenic walk through the gorge, where you’ll have time to snap plenty of photos, including the iconic Tomoebashi Bridge and the 11 different varieties of maple trees. 

You'll also have time to explore Sanshu Asuke Yashiki Village, a living museum that brings the old Japanese rural lifestyle to life. Here, you can witness traditional crafts like blacksmithing, bamboo weaving, waraji straw sandal making, and indigo dyeing. You’ll have time to explore the village and watch artisans at work. The village is also home to a number of shops selling handcrafted goods, ideal for a unique and one-of-a-kind souvenir.

As our day draws to a close, we’ll board the bus and head back to Nagoya Station to say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask your guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Admission into all locations included in the tour
• Transportation during the tour

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• There will be a significant amount of walking required (including steep stairs), so please wear appropriate shoes/boots.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and will not be suitable for most guests with mobility impairments. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
• In the summer, the weather in the Korankei is typically hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F), though it can occasionally reach over 35°C (95°F). In the winter, there is often snow and temperatures hover around freezing. Please pay attention to the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• This tour is not suitable for small children under the age of three.