Gifu – Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival
Jul 20, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 9 min read
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Annual guide to Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival: usual timing, viewing spots and access. Dates for next year follow the organisers' announcement.
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Located in Ena, Gifu Prefecture, Ena Gorge is a scenic destination renowned for its magnificent natural beauty. The gorge is an artificial lake created by Oi Dam, and every summer it provides the setting for the Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival, which draws large crowds. The thunderous sound of the fireworks echoing through the surrounding mountains and the otherworldly reflections shimmering on the lake are highlights unique to Ena Gorge. At the 53rd festival in 2026, approximately 2000 fireworks are scheduled to light up the night sky and lake surface, with an elaborate program featuring music-synchronized fireworks and the Niagara fireworks display, a signature attraction of Ena Gorge.
Event Overview
Details: A grand star-mina display lighting up the night sky over Ena Gorge. The dramatic echoes created by the valley and the fireworks reflected on the lake create a magical spectacle.
Date
2026年7月25日(土)
Time
19:30~20:30 (予定) ※The floating lantern ceremony begins at 18:30~
Venue
Ena Gorge Park (Ena Gorge lakeside) Address: 2709-79 Oi-cho, Ena, Gifu Prefecture
Number of fireworks
Approximately 2000
Average annual attendance
Approximately 30,000
In case of rain
In the event of severe weather or rising water levels, the festival will be postponed to 2026年8月29日(土)
Venue and Map
Ena Gorge Park, the venue for the Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival, is located on the shores of Ena Gorge, an artificial lake created by the Oi Dam, which dams the Kiso River. Because the venue is surrounded by valleys, the sound of the fireworks reverberates through the surrounding mountains, creating an intensity that is difficult to experience elsewhere. The fireworks reflected on the lake are another major highlight of the festival, allowing visitors to enjoy their beauty both in the night sky and on the water. The area around the venue also has walking paths and open spaces, making it possible to enjoy a stroll before the fireworks begin.
Access
Large-scale traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue on the day of the fireworks festival, and severe congestion is expected. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation and arrive early.
By train and bus
The nearest station is Ena Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. From Ena Station, take the Toen Bus Ena Gorge Line. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes to the Ena Gorge bus stop, followed by a walk of approximately 5 minutes to the venue.
Special bus service: On the day of the fireworks festival, special buses will run between the area in front of JR Ena Station and the Ena Gorge bus stop.
- Outbound: Buses run continuously from Ena Station from around 17:00~around 19:00
- Return: Buses run continuously from the Ena Gorge bus stop from around 20:30~around 21:30
- Fare: 200円 one way
Be careful not to miss the last train: The fireworks festival is scheduled to finish at around 20:30, while the final special bus is scheduled to depart at around 21:30. Check the last train from JR Ena Station in advance and allow plenty of time for your journey.
By car
From the Ena IC on the Chuo Expressway, take Prefectural Routes 68 and 72 and local roads, then follow Prefectural Route 401 toward Ena Gorge. The drive is approximately 4km and takes about 10 minutes.
Parking: Free and paid parking lots will be available around the venue.
Free parking:
- Theater Ena Parking Lot (440 spaces): Available from 16:00
- Ena Gin-no-Mori Parking Lot (180 spaces): Available from 18:00
- Ena Government Office Parking Lot (220 spaces): Available from 16:00
- Free shuttle buses will run continuously from the Ena Government Office Parking Lot to the Ena Gorge bus stop from 16:30~19:30. The last shuttle bus from the Ena Gorge bus stop departs at 21:30.
Paid parking (advance reservations required):
- Ena Gorge Parking Lot No. 3 (50 spaces): 3,000円 per vehicle
- Ena Gorge Parking Lot No. 4 (300 spaces): 2,000円 per vehicle
- Tickets for the paid parking lots will go on sale from 2026年6月4日(木)12:00 and sales will end when all tickets are sold. The parking fees are collected as an operational cooperation fee to support traffic measures on the day of the fireworks festival.
Traffic restrictions: To ease congestion, the Ena Gorge Loop Road will be restricted to “one-way traffic” from 17:00~22:00 on the day of the fireworks festival. Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, so please follow the instructions of staff.
Reserved Seating and Tickets
The 53rd Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival will offer reserved seating where visitors can enjoy the fireworks in comfort.
Types and approximate prices:
- One chair: 3,000円
- Reserved seating will be set up in the Wood Deck Plaza and at the rear of the Wood Deck Plaza.
Sales information:
- Sales will begin from 2026年6月4日(木)12:00.
- Sales will end once all tickets are sold, so early purchase is recommended.
- Applications can be made through a dedicated form. Reservations are also available through Aeru STAY.
- A maximum of 10 tickets can be purchased per application.
- Seats cannot be selected; visitors may choose their seats in the order they complete the reception process.
Notes:
- Children who do not use a seat, such as those sitting on an accompanying adult’s lap, do not need a ticket. However, only one child per adult is permitted.
- If the fireworks festival is postponed, purchased tickets will first be refunded. Visitors who wish to attend on the postponed date must purchase tickets again.
- Reselling tickets is prohibited, and reservations will be invalidated if resale is confirmed.
Lesser-Known Viewing Spots
Thanks to the unique terrain of Ena Gorge, visitors can enjoy the power and beauty of the fireworks not only near the venue but also from locations a little farther away. Here are several lesser-known spots where you may be able to watch the fireworks while avoiding the crowds.
Ena Gorge Prefectural Nature Park Observatory From the observatory next to the Ena Gorge Bridge, you can take in sweeping views of the magnificent gorge. It is a comfortable distance from the launch site, making it possible to enjoy the full display at a leisurely pace. Free parking is also available.
Farm roads in Higashino-cho One of the lesser-known spots attracting attention from locals is the network of farm roads in Higashino-cho. Since they are some distance from the venue, you may be able to watch the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. However, parking and restroom facilities may be limited, so we recommend checking in advance and arriving prepared.
Old road along Ena Gorge The old road running along Ena Gorge is another possible viewing spot. As some sections are difficult to access by car, walking or cycling is recommended. This spot is particularly suitable for those who want to enjoy the fireworks quietly while taking in the natural surroundings of the gorge. The area becomes dark underfoot, so do not forget to bring a flashlight or similar light.
Wood Deck Plaza at the Ena Gorge Visitor Center The Ena Gorge Visitor Center provides tourist information about the area and is located beside the lake with excellent views. The Wood Deck Plaza in particular is a superb photo spot overlooking Ena Gorge and is also suitable for viewing the fireworks. Although part of the plaza will be used for reserved seating, you can still enjoy the fireworks while taking in the atmosphere of the open space.
Ena Gorge sightseeing boat Boarding an Ena Gorge sightseeing boat and watching the fireworks from the lake is a special experience. You can enjoy fireworks launched over the water up close while also seeing their reflections on the lake surface. Check the official information in advance for the boat operating schedule and whether special fireworks services will be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time does the fireworks festival start and end? A. The 53rd Ena Summer Water Fireworks Festival is scheduled to take place from 19:30 to 20:30 on 2026年7月25日(土). A floating lantern ceremony will also be held from 18:30 before the fireworks begin.
Q. Is reserved seating available? How can I purchase tickets? A. Yes, reserved seating will be available. A chair costs 3,000円, and seating will be set up in the Wood Deck Plaza and at the rear of the plaza. Tickets will go on sale from 2026年6月4日(木)12:00 and can be purchased through the dedicated application form or Aeru STAY. Sales will end when all tickets are sold, so early purchase is recommended.
Q. What are the parking and traffic restrictions? A. Free parking lots and paid parking lots requiring advance reservations will be available around the venue. The free parking lots include the Theater Ena Parking Lot, Ena Gin-no-Mori Parking Lot, and Ena Government Office Parking Lot. Free shuttle buses will operate from the Ena Government Office Parking Lot. The paid parking lots are Ena Gorge Parking Lot No. 3 and Ena Gorge Parking Lot No. 4, both of which charge a fee. From 17:00 to 22:00 on the day of the fireworks festival, the Ena Gorge Loop Road will become one-way as part of the traffic restrictions. Please be aware of this restriction. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or travel together in the same vehicle.
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