Korankei Gorge and Asuke Hachimangu Shrine

Asuke Hachimangu Shrine is said to have been founded in Hakuho 2 of Emperor Tenmu's reign (traditionally 673 CE, though the correspondence between the Hakuho era name and the Western calendar is disputed). The principal deities are Hondawake-no-Mikoto (Emperor Ojin), Tarashiinaka-tsuhiko-no-Mikoto (Emperor Chuai), and Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto (Empress Jingū), with five additional deities enshrined. The main hall, built in Bunsho 1 (1466) in the Hinoki-bark-roofed (hiwadabuki) three-bay nagare-zukuri (nagare-style) architectural form, was designated a Specially Protected Building (equivalent to the current National Important Cultural Property) in 1907 (Meiji 40). Wikipedia (Japanese) 'Asuke Hachimangu', Tourism Toyota 'Asuke Hachimangu'. Kojaku-ji Temple was founded in Ōei 34 (1427) by the Zen master Hakkō as a Sōtō Zen temple. The name Korankei was coined in Showa 5 (1930). Kojakuji Official Website.

The area's name 'Asuke' is associated with a post town that has historically served as a key staging post on the Iida Highway (a goods transport route connecting the Tōkai region with the Tōzan and Shinshū regions), and the worship of the deity of feet, travel, and transportation has been linked to the practical demands of commerce and logistics. The planting of the maple trees is a classic example of a devotional and landscape-oriented undertaking by a single monk being transformed into a shared cultural heritage of the community — illustrating the early modern and modern landscape transformation from 'a garden of faith' to 'a garden of tourism.' The legend of Tomoe Gozen (said to have come from Asuke, though the historical basis is uncertain) is also embedded in the local community, and a related stone monument stands in the precinct.

The Toyoda Tourism Association 'Tourism Toyota' introduces Asuke Hachimangu as a shrine 'venerated since ancient times as the guardian deity of feet, travel, and transportation' and welcomes modern worshippers seeking blessings for recovery from illness and safe childbirth. The Korankei Momiji Matsuri (November) attracts a cumulative total of hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it one of the largest autumn foliage destinations in the Tōkai region, and the Hachimangu shrine stands as a sacred site at its center. Tourism Toyota 'Asuke Hachimangu', Asuke Tourism Association 'Asuke Hachimangu'.

Peak autumn foliage is typically mid to late November (during the Momiji Matsuri). For a quiet visit to the main hall, a weekday morning is recommended. Summer (August), with fresh greenery and the clear waters of the Tomoe River, is also attractive.

The classic composition features the red Taigetsukyo bridge against the backdrop of the autumn foliage on Iimori Hill. Early morning with mist on the bridge is also effective. For the main hall, a telephoto lens draws out the texture of the hinoki-bark roof.

During the autumn foliage season (November), traffic congestion and crowds are severe, and car park fees rise from the usual ¥500 to ¥1,000. Use of public transport (Meitetsu Bus to Korankei) is strongly recommended.