November 22nd is known as いい夫婦の日 (Good Couple Day) in Japan. But for me, it marks an even more special occasion – Ayumi's birthday! This year, she turned two years old, and we celebrated earlier in the week with a visit to the stunning Korankei Gorge, located on the outskirts of Toyota City.
Korankei Gorge is famous for its picturesque walking paths, shaded by towering, centuries-old trees that come alive with vibrant colors in the autumn. The birthday girl received her fair share of attention from fellow visitors, and while I had anticipated some company on the trails, I hadn’t expected the sheer number of people we encountered.
Judging by the car license plates in the parking lots, visitors had traveled from across Japan – Kyoto, Nagasaki, Shizuoka, Shiga, Fukui, Osaka, Mie, and the local prefectures. Adding to the bustle were several buses carrying international tourists. Among the languages I overheard, Chinese was the most prominent, followed by Vietnamese. There were even a few Korean visitors, though I spotted only one couple. In hindsight, if I had known Korankei would be so busy, Ayumi and I might have chosen a quieter location. Still, despite the crowds, we soaked in the beauty and atmosphere of the area.
Our journey took us along the famous Maple Tunnel, which isn’t really a tunnel but a gorgeous, tree-lined pathway draped in vibrant foliage. We crossed the iconic Koran Bridge and looped back up to the Taigetsu Bridge, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn every step of the way. Along the trail, we met several other dogs, which delighted Ayumi to no end, and managed to snap a few lovely photos to commemorate the day.
At two years old, Ayumi has become quite the cooperative model. She’s learned the value of sitting – or standing – still when a camera is pointed at her. While she doesn’t hold her pose for long, she’s patient enough for me to capture one or two good shots before she’s ready to explore again.
Korankei’s natural beauty and the joy of celebrating Ayumi’s special day made for a memorable outing. Here’s to many more birthdays and adventures with my best girl!