Nagoya is not only a bustling city in the Chubu region, but also hides several healing trails perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. These routes are only 30 minutes to 1 hour's drive from the city center, yet can instantly transport you to a completely different natural world. Whether you want to take a deep breath of forest phytoncides, stroll along the lake for tranquility, or explore simple mountain village scenery, the recommended routes below can all satisfy your needs.
Overall, the healing trails around Nagoya feature hilly terrain and lake landscapes, offering different charms in each season. Spring's cherry blossom tunnels, autumn's crimson maple scenery, and winter's frostrime displays — every season brings surprises. Most importantly, these routes have moderate difficulty, suitable for travelers of all ages, even casual walkers can easily enjoy them.
Recommended Locations:
Inujoyashi Castle Town to Tokuen Temple Trail (Inuyama City)
This trail connects Inujoyashi Castle Town with the mountain temple Tokuen Temple, spanning approximately 2.5 km. The path passes through bamboo groves and ancient stone approaches. Inujoyashi Castle itself is one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan, and Tokuen Temple at the trail's end was built 400 years ago. The moss garden surrounding the temple appears like a fairyland of emerald green after rain. It is recommended to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll. In spring, the cherry blossom tunnel alongside the trail is especially dreamy.
Sakuma Dam Hiking Trail (Sakuma Town)
Located approximately 60 km northwest of Nagoya, Sakuma Dam is one of the largest artificial lakes in the Chubu region. The环湖 hiking trail is approximately 8 km long, with multiple observation decks along the way where you can admire the azure lake water intertwined with the surrounding mountains. It is particularly breathtaking in autumn, when the lakeside metasequoia turns orange-red, reflecting on the mirror-like lake surface to form a natural oil painting. The trail is gentle and easy to walk, perfect for family outings, and the cafés near the dam also serve fresh local rainbow trout dishes.
Houraiji Mountain Pilgrimage Trail (Shinjo Town)
Houraiji Mountain is a famous spiritual power spot near Nagoya, a legendary sacred mountain. From the mountain base to Houraiji Temple at the summit, there are approximately 1,200 stone steps, covered by a thick cryptomeria forest canopy. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to the top. Stone torii gates and Jizo Bosatsu statues along the way emit a solemn atmosphere, and from the mountain top you can overlook the entire Shinjo Valley's田园 scenery. This place is especially popular in autumn, when the mountain's ginkgo and maple trees paint the entire mountain in gold and red, making it a secret spot for photography enthusiasts.
Kohran Valley (Asuke Town)
Kohran Valley is Nagoya's most famous autumn foliage spot, located approximately 50 km from the city center in the mountains. From mid-November to early December each year, approximately 4,000 maple and ginkgo trees dye the entire valley in gradient colors of red, yellow, and orange, reflecting in the valley's stream — unbelievably beautiful. The trail is well-developed, spanning approximately 3 km, with teahouses and souvenir shops along the way where you can taste local mountain vegetable dishes and pickled Tsukemono. There are fewer tourists in the early morning or evening, which is the best time to experience Kohran Valley's beauty.
Practical Information:
Regarding transportation, these attractions can all be reached from Nagoya Station via JR or Meitetsu lines to the nearest station, then transfer to bus or taxi. It is recommended to purchase the "Rising Dragon Way Highway Bus Pass," which allows unlimited rides on highways going to and from these attractions. The 3-day adult pass is ¥5,500, which is quite cost-effective. Self-driving visitors can rent cars in Nagoya, and free parking is available at all attractions.
All attractions have no admission fees, but some temples (such as Tokuen Temple and Houraiji Temple) may have voluntary offerings of approximately ¥200-500. Shopping and dining at the souvenir shops and restaurants around Kohran Valley costs approximately ¥800-2,000, and tasting mountain vegetable set meals costs approximately ¥1,500-2,500.
Regarding opening hours, outdoor trails are open 24 hours, but it is recommended to visit during daytime for safety. Temples are generally open from sunrise to sunset, and may open earlier during peak autumn season. Most restaurants and souvenir shops operate from 9 AM to 5 PM, and hours may be adjusted during Golden Week and year-end periods.
Travel Tips:
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably hiking shoes or sports shoes with anti-slip function, as some trails have gravel surfaces that can be slippery in rainy weather. Bring sufficient water and simple snacks, as vending machines are less common in mountainous areas.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, but summer mountain temperatures are approximately 5°C cooler than the city, making it a good choice for escaping the heat. Some high-altitude trails may freeze in winter, so it is recommended to check road conditions before departing.
Additionally, due to recent fluctuations in China-Japan relations affecting some flights and tourist flows, these healing attractions around Nagoya反而更容易預訂到理想的住宿和交通安排，不妨把握機會體驗這些遠離喧囂的自然秘境。
