Enakyo

Ena Gorge is a scenic spot named in 1920 by geographer Shiga Shigetaka, and it is an artificial lake created about 100 years ago when the Kiso River was dammed by the Ōi Dam. Built as Japan’s first full-scale commercial hydroelectric dam, Ōi Dam reached its 100th anniversary in 2024, and the artificial landscape created by this reservoir is Ena Gorge. Its beautiful scenery, where nature and human endeavor exist in harmony, continues to captivate many visitors.

Along both shores of the lake, unusual rock formations and strange crags such as Shishi Rock, Kagami Rock, and Kasa Rock, formed through long years of weathering, line the gorge and create a dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs and rugged beauty. Among them, Kasa Rock, shaped like a mushroom, has been designated a Natural Monument and is one of Ena Gorge’s signature sights. In spring, around 200 cherry trees and azaleas bloom in full glory around Sazanami Square on the left bank, delighting visitors.

In summer, the bright fresh greenery is beautifully complemented by the red Ena Gorge Bridge, creating a refreshing view. In autumn, maples and momiji paint the entire gorge in brilliant colors, earning it a place among the Hida-Mino Top 33 Autumn Leaves Spots, with the best viewing season typically from mid- to late November. In winter, ducks, starlings, and other waterfowl arrive, and birdwatching can be enjoyed over the quiet surface of the lake.

To fully appreciate the charm of Ena Gorge, a sightseeing cruise is highly recommended. Boarding a boat from the pier allows you to view the strange rock formations and cliffs up close from the water, offering a powerful perspective quite different from what you would see on land. You can relax and enjoy the gorge’s ever-changing beauty through the seasons.

In March 2020, the plazas and walking paths were renovated, and the Ena Gorge Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the area’s history and nature, was also established. Nearby are Sazanami Square, Momosuke Square, and a walking path that lets you cross over the top of Ōi Dam, making it easy to stroll while enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace. On Benten Island floating on the lake, visitors can even see the shining offertory box for Benzaiten, which catches the eye.

This area is also where Momosuke Fukuzawa, known as the “Electric Power King,” focused on the Kiso River’s terrain as ideal for hydroelectric power and overcame many difficulties to complete the dam. Ena Gorge, where that history and magnificent nature come together, is an attractive tourist destination that offers a rich variety of scenery throughout the year.