Ena Gorge: Autumn Foliage and Sightseeing Boats | A Complete Guide to Stunning Autumn Scenery and Access

Ena Gorge, which stretches across Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a natural spot where you can enjoy the magnificent beauty of the gorge, interwoven with strangely shaped rocks and clear streams, centered around an artificial lake created by the Oi Dam. With beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy winter scenery, it is known as one of Gifu Prefecture's leading tourist destinations.

The charm of Ena Gorge is that visitors can enjoy it in their own way, such as on a pleasure boat cruise where you can experience the natural beauty up close, taking in the view from the Enakyo Bridge, or walking along the river. In recent years, the area has also attracted attention for its Instagrammable scenery and activities, making it popular with a wide range of people, from families and couples to camera enthusiasts.

The highlights and natural beauty of Ena Gorge

Ena Gorge is an artificial lake that was created in 1920 with the completion of Oi Dam, Japan's first power-generating dam, and its unique topography creates an impressive landscape with its rock walls, inlets, and calm waters. There are many strangely shaped rocks in the surrounding area with names such as "Lion Rock" and "Byobuiwa Rock," and they look different depending on the angle you view them from, so you'll discover something new every time you visit.

In spring, the cherry blossoms that bloom along the river are reflected on the water's surface, and in summer the contrast between the lush greenery of the trees and the clear stream is refreshing. In autumn, the mountains are dyed red and yellow, and in winter, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere amid the silent snowscape. The peak season for tourists is from late October to mid-November, when the leaves change color.

Experience the charm of the Ena Gorge on a pleasure boat

For those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Ena Gorge more deeply, we recommend the 30-minute Ena Gorge Sightseeing Boat. The boat departs from a dock near the Ena Gorge Bridge and slowly sails across the calm lake, offering up-close views of strangely shaped rock formations such as Shishiiwa and Byobuiwa. There is also an audio guide on board, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the gorge while learning about the formation and history of the terrain.

The operation status of the sightseeing boat changes depending on the weather, so it is recommended to check in advance. The scenery seen from the boat also changes greatly with the seasons, so no matter how many times you visit, you will be able to experience something new. The view from the boat is particularly spectacular during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons, and you can see many tourists on board with cameras in hand.

Walking spots and photo spots

There are well-maintained walking paths around Ena Gorge, and popular routes include the Ena Gorge Bridge and a leisurely stroll along the river. The walks are easy to enjoy even with small children, as there is little difference in elevation. There are also gazebos and benches along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the spectacular views.

As a photo spot, the view of the lake and strangely shaped rock formations from the Enakyo Bridge is especially recommended. Also, when the morning sun or the evening sun shines through, the water's surface shines golden, making for some fantastical photos. The Ena City Tourism Association's official Instagram also features many seasonal photos of Enakyo.

Nearby tourist spots and stop-off information

• Nakasendo Oijuku:This historic post town has old streetscapes and remains of the main inn.
• Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum:There are plenty of exhibits related to the Nakasendo and works by Utagawa Hiroshige, a master of ukiyo-e.
• Yamaoka's wooden waterwheel(Roadside Station Obachanichi):This roadside station is famous for its giant wooden waterwheel, the largest in Japan.

summary

Ena Gorge is a scenic spot representing Gifu Prefecture, and is a tourist spot overflowing with charm in every season. The appeal is that visitors can enjoy it in different ways, such as experiencing the gorge on a pleasure boat, taking in the spectacular views of the strangely shaped rocks and clear streams, or strolling along the promenade.

The area is also full of historical, cultural and experience spots, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in Ena. It attracts many travelers as a place where they can experience Gifu's rich culture while enjoying the beauty of nature.