Aichi’s Secret Wonder, Cherry Blossom and Autumn Leaves Together!

Japan is famous for its autumn leaves, and its equally famous spring cherry blossom. That makes it difficult to choose when to come to Japan.

Want to see both at once? Then come to Aichi!

There is only one place in Japan where you can see both autumn leaves AND cherry blossom at the same time, and that is Aichi Prefecture’s Obara! Special cherry trees called Shikizakura bloom twice a year, once in spring, and again just as the autumn leaves are at their best. This creates an incredibly beautiful, fantastic scene. The photo here describes it better than words ever could!

Magnificent cherry blossom and autumn leaves together at Obara.

Naturally, if you’re lucky enough to be in Japan at autumn leaf viewing time, Aichi Prefecture boasts a number of other prime viewing spots too. Korankei Gorge, located along the Tomoe River, not far from Toyota City, is home to over 4,000 Japanese maple and other native trees. At night, the gorge is lit up, so you can enjoy the stunning autumn colors night and day.

Korankei Gorge is another of Aichi’s most beautiful autumn foliage vantage points.

Another great spot is Asuke, not far from Korankei. Asuke was a post town in the samurai era, and exploring the small town with its old houses, traditional storerooms, temples and shrines is enjoyable anytime. The sleepy village is watched over by the fascinating Asuke Castle, Asuke is another of the best spots to enjoy scarlet fall foliage and unspoiled nature.

Enjoy the history and the scenery at picturesque Asuke.

Jakkoin Temple at Inuyama is another highly recommended spot. This area was a favorite of the famed warlord, and first unifier of Japan, Oda Nobunaga. Seeing Jakkoin in autumn, and you’ll understand why.

One of Oda Nobunaga’s favorite spots, Jakkoin Temple.

If you have the time, Mt. Horaiji in Shinshiro, eastern Aichi, is a volcanically formed mountain with sheer cliffs and dotted with ancient temples. In the autumn, this spiritual mountain is ablaze with breathtaking bright reds and yellows.

The temples, the mountains and the colors of Horaiji.

There are so many more top spots, such as Meijimura Museum surrounds, Yagoto San Kousho-ji, the Aichi Prefectural Forest Park, Mt. Chausa,…the list is endless. The other great thing is that Aichi’s autumn viewing spots aren’t well publicized,
So you won’t have the huge crowds of Kyoto. Instead you’ll be able to enjoy the colors of Aichi.

Writer
Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn is a bilingual radio DJ, TV presenter, producer, narrator, MC, copywriter, author and columnist, and Japanese historian, specializing in samurai castles, battles, armor and weapons. He is an inbound tourism advisor, and is often called upon as a lecturer and speaker on Japanese history and topics. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1968, and has spent over half his life in Japan, most of that time in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Chris is dedicated to promoting and preserving Japans’ long history, deep culture, traditions, arts and crafts.