Exchange between Ena City and the Republic of Poland

About Ena City

Ena City is located approximately 60 km from central Nagoya, in south-eastern Gifu Prefecture, adjacent to Aichi and Nagano Prefectures, and blessed with a rich natural environment. Surrounded by mountains, the Kiso River, the Agi River and the Yahagi River flow through the mountains, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons.

The town is also full of historical attractions, including Ena Gorge, which is designated as a prefectural nature park; Oijuku, a post town on the Nakasendo Street; Iwamura, a castle town with 800 years of history; and Akechi, home to the retro-inspired Japan Taisho Village.

Digital tourism brochure "only-one Ena trip" (English)

Outline of Ena City

Population (May 2023)　47,265
Area　504.24m2
Main industries
Paper and pulp,
Ceramic and stone product manufacturing
Average temperature
January, Minimum temperatures -3.5degree,Maximum temperatures 7.2degree
August, Minimum temperatures 21.2degree,Maximum temperatures 32.1degree
Location
1 hour by train from Nagoya
50 minutes by car (using motorway)

See larger map (Go to Google Map page)

Videos

Nature

History and culture

Souvenir

Exchange between Ena City and the Republic of Poland

From 18-31 July 2021, a fourteen-day pre-camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was held by a canoe team from Poland at the Kasagi Gorge Boat and Canoe Area.

Leading up to the pre-camp

In September 2019, the Polish canoe team decided to set up its pre-camping site in Kasagi Gorge.

In July 2021, the Polish Ambassador to Japan visits Ena. It was the first step in the exchange process.

The pre-camp

In July 2021, during the camp, social events were organized online due to COVID-19.

In July 2021, the Ena residents offered lunchboxes with local flavors to encourage the team to enjoy Ena as much as possible.

In July 2021, an open practice session was held for local primary and secondary school children and citizens. Children cheered with handmade flags.

In July 2021, the athletes are seen off as they depart for Tokyo. we received the words "Arigatou, Ena."

In August 2021, officials watched the match on television. Loud applause for the Polish team's good performance.

In August 2021, the canoe team won one silver and one bronze medal at the Olympic Games!

Pre-camp monument

In July 2022, a commemorative monument was set up at the Kasaki Gorge boat and canoeing area to preserve the record of the pre-camp exchanges for future generations. The Polish Ambassador to Japan was invited to attend the commemoration ceremony.

Assistance to Poland on the situation in Ukraine

In March 2022, the people involved in the host town project initiated a call for donations to support aid relief efforts for refugees to Poland.

In May 2022, within one and a half months of its launch, the fundraising had raised over JPY 7.85 million from all over the country, which was transferred to the Polish Red Cross.

At Ena Kita Junior High School, which is close to the pre-camp site, the student council organized a fund-raising event and sent the money to the Polish Red Cross through Ena City International Exchange Association.

The Polish Ambassador to Japan attended the graduation ceremony of Ena Kita Junior High School to thank the students in person for their fundraising efforts.

Visit of Shilonsk County delegation.

The Governor of Shironsk Prefecture visited Gifu Prefecture on 4-5 April 2023 to further deepen exchanges, as two of the Olympic athletes were from Shironsk Prefecture.

On 9 and 10 May, the folk dance team Istebna visited. Further exchanges took place.

Visit of the Governor of Shilonsk Prefecture

In April 2023, the team visited Ena City on 6 April. Officials and employees welcomed him at the entrance of the city hall.

At Hiroshige Museum of art, they watched an exhibition of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and enjoyed a woodblock printing experience.

The Governor was shown the monument at Kasagi Gorge and commented that he was grateful for the opportunity to practice in such a wonderful environment.

On the riverside, people were seen taking commemorative photos with the misty, smoky Kiso River in the background.

Folk dance team performance

Around 600 citizens attended Istebna's performance and enjoyed the gorgeous costumes and lively dancing to the accompaniment of string instruments.

During the performance, children came on stage to enjoy dancing with the Istebna members, who were cheered and applauded by the audience.

Contact

Exchange and Coordination Office, Project Division

3rd Floor, Main Building, Ena City Hall, 1-1-1, Shoge, Osashima-cho, Ena, Gifu, 509-7292

address
3rd Floor, Main Building, Ena City Hall, 1-1-1, Shoge, Osashima-cho, Ena, Gifu, 509-7292
telephone number
0573-22-9179