Things To Do
in Ena
Ena is a small town located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and forests. The town is also famous for its historic sites, such as Ena Castle and traditional Japanese houses.
Ena offers visitors a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Ena Shrine to admire its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby park to appreciate the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Head to the Enakyo Valley for a scenic hike along the river. Discover local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Dine at a local izakaya, where you can taste traditional Japanese dishes. Take a stroll along the riverbanks as the sun sets.
Start your day hiking in the Nature Park, where you can experience the lush greenery and fresh air. Spot various birds and other wildlife as you walk the trails.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic lookout points in the park. Spend some time photographing the stunning landscapes around you.
End your day by visiting a local onsen for relaxation. Soak in the hot springs and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditions
- Beautiful natural scenery including mountains and rivers
- Less crowded compared to larger tourist destinations in Japan
- Warm and friendly local community
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling
- Limited public transportation options compared to bigger cities
- Fewer entertainment and dining options in the immediate area
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
- Risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes
- Limited infrastructure for international tourism
Best Activities in Ena
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful natural scenery and enjoy hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Experience outdoor activities such as boat tours, fishing, and picnicking with stunning views of the Ena Gorge.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Kiso River with scenic views and fresh air.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ena with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ena
Visit one of these nice places.
The Ena Valley offers stunning views of lush greenery, the Ena River, and the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the valley and its walking trails.
Perched on a hill, the Iwamura Castle Ruins provide panoramic views of the town of Iwamura and its traditional architecture. It's an ideal spot for capturing both natural and historical beauty.
The Ena Gorge is known for its dramatic cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Kiso River. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and take memorable photos from the various viewing points.
Food in Ena
Ena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicious buckwheat noodle soup topped with an assortment of wild mountain vegetables, often found in local soba restaurants like Soba Dokoro Shuhari.
Must-Try!
Miso-marinated beef and vegetables grilled on a magnolia leaf, creating a unique and aromatic dish. Visit Hoba-yaki restaurants in Ena to savor this local specialty.
Freshly caught mountain river fish, such as char or trout, grilled or simmered to perfection. Try Izakaya Kura for an authentic Iwana-zakana experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of fresh local produce, pickles, and snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to sample skewers of grilled river fish from the food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ena, Japan, it is customary to bow as a sign of respect when greeting someone, particularly when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting.
When entering someone's home, a traditional Japanese custom is to remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the cleanliness of the indoor space.
Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of personal space and respecting others' boundaries. It is polite to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others.
Safety
Tipping in Ena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Ena. In fact, tipping can be considered rude in some situations as it may imply that the service provider is not doing their job properly.
In Ena, as in the rest of Japan, cash is widely used for payments, although credit and debit cards are increasingly being accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's important to note that contactless payment methods, such as mobile payment systems, are also becoming more popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Ena, Japan is during spring (March to May) when cherry blossoms are in bloom and the weather is mild. Expect to see beautiful sakura displays and enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August) is another good time to visit Ena, Japan if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor festivals. Expect lively matsuri (festivals) and vibrant summer landscapes.
Autumn (September to November) offers stunning fall foliage in Ena, Japan. It's a great time to witness the vivid colors of the changing leaves and enjoy comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
Winter (December to February) can be a quieter time to visit Ena, Japan. Expect cold temperatures, but also the opportunity to experience winter illuminations and festive events.
Ena at Night
Hiking in Ena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination located near Ena, offering trails that showcase stunning views of the surrounding nature and wildlife.
One of the most famous mountains in the area, Mt. Ena provides various hiking routes, including challenging trails leading to scenic overlooks.
A well-maintained park featuring several walking paths and hiking trails, ideal for family hikes and leisurely walks surrounded by flora.
Includes gentle hiking trails and outdoor spaces, perfect for a day out enjoying nature without strenuous climbing.
Accessible via a short hike, this beautiful waterfall is a serene spot surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a peaceful retreat.
Aiports
How to reach Ena by plane.
Located in Hokkaido, approximately 140 km from Ena, New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido, serving both international and domestic flights.
Situated near Osaka, about 300 km from Ena, Kansai International Airport provides international flights and serves as a major hub for travelers to and from the region.
Also known as Itami Airport, this airport is around 300 km from Ena and primarily handles domestic flights, with some international services.
Located about 500 km from Ena, Narita International Airport is one of the main international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area.
Approximately 500 km from Ena, Haneda Airport is situated closer to downtown Tokyo and primarily handles domestic flights, along with many international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Ena, comprising the majority of the population.
A minority group in Ena, with historical ties to the region and a small community.
Another minority group in Ena, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes small groups of expatriates and foreign residents from various countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a widely popular sport in Ena, with many local teams and youth leagues encouraging participation and fostering community spirit.
Baseball has a strong following in Ena, with various teams at both amateur and professional levels, and is often associated with local culture and events.
Basketball is increasingly popular among youth in Ena, supported by school and community programs that promote the sport.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and recreational leagues in Ena, known for its emphasis on teamwork and community involvement.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced in Ena, reflecting the region's appreciation for traditional sports and self-discipline.
Running events and marathons are popular in Ena, often held in scenic areas to promote fitness and community engagement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Ena cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, some restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and sushi with pickled vegetables.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and rice balls. Communication with restaurant staff about dietary needs is recommended for a seamless dining experience.