Panduan
Ena Kyo is a stunning scenic area located along the middle reaches of the Kiso River, situated between Ena City and Nakatsugawa City in Gifu Prefecture. The area was named by the geographer Shiga Shigetaka in 1910. Today, it features an artificial lake created by the Oi Dam, offering a unique landscape where natural geological formations meet man-made engineering. The banks are lined with diverse, striking rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion.
The current landscape was shaped by the construction of the Oi Dam, which transformed the former natural canyon into a beautiful reservoir, paving the way for modern tourism. The area also holds deep cultural significance; many famous poets and writers have visited and been inspired by its beauty. For instance, the renowned poet Kitahara Hakushu was deeply connected to this land and composed the "Ena Kyo Tonton Bushi." Visitors can find monuments honoring his work at Sazanami Park, reflecting the area's rich literary heritage.
The most striking feature of Ena Kyo is the collection of unusual and massive rock formations along the shores. Notable formations include the Byobu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock), Gunkan-iwa (Warship Rock), Shishi-iwa (Lion Rock), and Kagami-iwa (Mirror Rock). Additionally, the area is home to the