notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
Walking around Gifu and Ena, a city where nature and culture thrive
Located in eastern Gifu Prefecture, Ena City is a city where the abundant nature of the mountains coexists with cultural resources that convey history to the present. Unlike flashy tourist destinations, Ena is a place that offers visitors quiet discoveries and peaceful moments. One of the charms of Ena is being able to experience the daily lives of local people while feeling the changing seasons.
Ena's Nature | Gentle scenery woven by the four seasons
Cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, red leaves in autumn, and the tranquility of winter. Ena has nature that changes its appearance with each season. The beauty of the Ena Gorge valley is particularly spectacular, and the colorful cliffs and trees seen while rocking on a sightseeing boat are breathtaking. At Sakaori Rice Terraces, which has been selected as one of the 100 best rice terraces in Japan, stone-built rice fields spread across the mountain slopes, preserving the traditional rural landscape to this day.
Learn more about Ena through these experiences
In Ena, we recommend not just enjoying the scenery, but also experiencing the place and feeling the air and sounds. At Ena Gorge, you can take a pleasure boat ride through nature, and enjoy a leisurely train ride on the Akechi Railway's local line. Furthermore, spending time in the tranquil space of Riadnana, a traditional Japanese cafe in Iwamura, is sure to add a touch of healing to your trip.
A stroll through the townscape and historical sites to experience the culture
Walking through the historic streets, you will encounter memories and stories that live on in the place. Visit the ruins of Iwamura Castle, one of Japan's three great mountain castles, and the castle town that spreads out at its foot. Strolling along Iwamura Hondori Street, lined with wooden houses, will gently bring back memories of the Showa era. Also, at Japan Taisho Village, which is associated with Akechi Mitsuhide, you can get a feel for the lifestyle and culture of the time through architecture and exhibits from the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Furthermore, there are countless cultural attractions, such as Oijuku, Kushihara Onsen, and Yamaoka, home to a giant wooden waterwheel. None of them are flashy, but they are all places that leave a lasting impression.
Ena's gourmet food is a must-try, precisely because it is simple
If you visit Ena, be sure to try the local cuisine. The local dishes, Japanese sweets, and homemade side dishes are all impressive with their gentle flavors. What's great is that you can easily find them at roadside stations and cafes.
🥬 Roadside Station Granny City Yamaoka
Grandma's Market Yamaoka, symbolized by a giant wooden waterwheel, is a popular spot overflowing with local bounty and the warmth of its people. Fresh vegetables picked that morning, miso paste, pickles, steamed rice, and side dishes made by local mothers are lined up in the stores, so you'll encounter different flavors every time you visit.
Among the most popular items are desserts made with Yamaoka's specialty agar and handmade Japanese sweets. There is a wide selection of seasonal items, and the nostalgic, gentle sweetness will warm your heart. There is also a wide selection of set meals and light meals made with local ingredients, so you can stop by during your drive and enjoy a hearty meal.
In addition to the pleasure of eating, the warm interactions with the local people are also part of the charm of the restaurant. You can experience Ena not as a tourist destination, but as a part of everyday life.
Experience comfortable time and scenery in Ena
It may not have the flashiness or convenience of a tourist destination. But Ena has scenery that makes you want to stop and take a look, and warm people that make you want to talk to them. It's a place where you can spend time just for yourself, through nature, culture, and experiences. I hope to continue to share the charm of Ena little by little.